Value of Net Sales Index (VaNSI), on a yearly comparison, went up by 8.4 percent in April 2008. The improved sales of basic metals contributed largely to the increase with 51.4 percent. Other major sectors that exhibited two-digit increases were observed in the following: non-metallic mineral products, tobacco products, beverages, food manufacturing, transport equipment, leather products, wood and wood products, and petroleum products. Refer to Tables 2-A and 9.

However, on a monthly comparison, VaNSI contracted by 2.0 percent in April 2008. This was due to the two-digit decline in sales performance of petroleum products and footwear and wearing apparel. Refer to Tables 2-A and 9.

Volume of Net Sales Index (VoNSI), on a year-on-year basis, rose by 7.1 percent in April 2008 after posting a decline of 1.4 percent in March. This maybe attributed to the double-digit increases in sales volume reported by the following major sectors: non-metallic mineral products, basic metals, tobacco products, furniture and fixtures, transport equipment, beverages, leather products, wood and wood products, and footwear and wearing apparel. Refer to Tables 2-B and 10.

In contrast, VoNSI, on a month-on-month basis, dropped by 3.0 percent in April 2008. Major sources of decrease were observed in petroleum products and footwear and wearing apparel. Refer to Tables 2-B and 10.

Average capacity utilization in April 2008 for total manufacturing was estimated at 80.7 percent. Ten (10) major sectors that registered more than 80% capacity utilization rates were the following: basic metals, food manufacturing, footwear and wearing apparel, petroleum products, paper and paper products, miscellaneous manufactures, leather products, chemical products (excluding plastic products), electrical machinery, and rubber and plastic products. Refer to Table 6.

The proportion of establishments that operated at full capacity (90% to 100%) was 9.9 percent in April 2008. More than half or 58.9 percent of the establishments operated at 70% to 89% capacity while 31.2 percent of the establishments operated below 70% capacity.

The response rates for the April 2008 MISSI and PPS are 87.3 percent and 93.9 percent, respectively. Refer to Tables 12 and 13.

The 1994 based MISSI indices and the PPI will have the December 2007 data as the last of the series. Only the 2000 based series will be continued in 2008.

Starting with the February 2008 issue, a revised industry disaggregation of the MISSI indices and PPI will be adopted to conform to the 1994 PSIC groupings. Rubber and Plastic Products is a new major sector, consisting of two subsectors, namely: Rubber Products and Plastic Products. Rubber Products was previously a major sector while Plastic Products was one of the sub-sectors of Chemical Products.

With previously seven (7) subsectors, the major sector of Chemical Products has now six (6) subsectors, namely: Basic Chemical and Industrial Gases, Fertilizers, Paints, Drugs and Medicines, Cosmetics and Toilet Preparations, and Miscellaneous Chemicals.

The major sector of Machinery except Electrical has been split into two subsectors, namely: Machinery and Equipment, n.e.c. and Office, Accounting and Computing Machinery.

The corresponding weights of the above major sectors and sub-sectors have been recomputed to allow for the revised computation of the indices.

Thus, beginning this issue, the VaPI, VoPI, VaNSI, VoNSI and the revised PPI for Total Manufacturing for all months of 2008 are computed based on the revised industry disaggregation.

Starting 2008, weights for the PPI and Capacity Utilization Rates are based from the results of the 2005 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry for manufacturing establishments with average total employment of 20 and over.

Data of non-responding sample establishments are estimated based on previous records and other available sources. Revisions to the preliminary estimates are done upon receipt of actual reports of late respondents.