New estimates of labour productivity in the manufacturing sectors of Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland

Abstract

In this paper we provide benchmark comparisons of manufacturing unit value ratios and productivity levels for the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland relative to Germany in 1996. On average, manufacturing prices were about half of those in Germany for all three countries. Hungary was characterised by relatively low price levels in Food Processing, but relatively high price levels in Chemicals, Rubber and Plastic Products, Non-Metallic Mineral Products and Electrical Equipment. Poland appeared weak on price competitiveness in Wood and Wood Products and Printing and Publishing. The Czech Republic has relatively low price levels in Chemicals. For Total Manufacturing, Hungary shows a clear productivity advantage despite a comparable relative price level (compare Figure 1). The Hungarian productivity advantage is in strong Food Products, Paper and Printing, and Wood Products (even though in the latter case it is benefitting from low relative price levels), but also in Machinery and Transport Equipment and in Other Manufacturing. The Polish productivity level is high in Rubber and Plastic Products, and in the Czech Republic it is high in Chemicals, which in both cases is reflected by relatively low price levels. Czech productivity is also relatively high in Non-Metallic Minerals.