Malta reports industrial growth driven by energy and rising employment

Malta’s industrial production rose by 5.1% year-on-year in August, though monthly output remained nearly flat with a 0.1% increase. This annual growth was primarily driven by a 33.8% surge in energy production. When excluding the energy sector, the industrial production index grew by a more modest 2.6%.

Within manufacturing, output increased by 2.8% annually. The wood, paper, and printing sector saw the largest jump at 44.9%, while computer, electronic, and optical products, along with motor vehicles, rose by 3.5%. Conversely, production of rubber, plastic, and non-metallic minerals fell by 13.5%, and food and beverage production declined by 10%.

In the labour market, total employment in Malta reached 340,463 in 2025, a 4.9% increase from the previous year. Data highlights a strong commuting trend between Gozo and the mainland. Approximately one in five employed residents of Gozo and Comino work in the Malta region, with 5,511 residents commuting for work. While full-time employment for Gozo residents increased by 5.7%, the number of full-time jobs located within the Gozo and Comino region grew by only 4.4%, underscoring the region's reliance on external employment opportunities.