Croatian industry in September 2026 produced 7% more than in the same month last year.

Production also increased compared with August, by 2.4%. The data were published on 29 October by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

Looking at the period from January to September, production was 2.4% higher than in the first 9 months of 2025. The annual growth in September was therefore stronger than the result for the year so far. This measures the quantity produced, so price increases alone do not necessarily mean higher production.

Production of materials and parts for other factories is growing the most

The largest annual increase, of 22.8%, was recorded by so-called intermediate goods. Put more simply, these are materials and parts used for further production, such as metals or certain electrical components. Their production increased by 11.9% compared with August.

Manufacturing industry, which includes the production of food, clothing, machinery, and many other products, recorded annual growth of 6.6%. In the activity of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, growth amounted to 9.1%. Mining and quarrying at the same time recorded a decline in production of 7.6%.

Part of the industry is still producing less

Overall growth does not mean that all producers are doing better. Production of durable consumer goods, such as furniture and household appliances, was 18.2% lower than a year earlier. Capital goods, such as machinery and equipment for business operations, recorded a decline of 12.4%, and non-durable consumer goods, including food and beverages, a decline of 1.4%.

More production with fewer employees

The number of employees in industry in September was 4.9% lower than a year earlier. Compared with August, however, it increased slightly, by 0.1%. It is not possible to determine from these data how many people were laid off because the change in the number of employees also includes other arrivals and departures of workers.

Labor productivity in the first 9 months increased by 8.2% compared with the same period in 2025. This means that industry on average achieved higher output per employed person. The indicator itself does not explain whether this was due to better equipment, different work organization, or a change in the composition of production.

Growth is still not visible in all branches

The September data bring a positive result for Croatian industry, but with large differences among activities. While one part of production is growing strongly, another part is lagging behind, and there are fewer employees than last year. For more lasting improvement, it will be important whether growth continues and spreads to more industrial branches.