Industrial growth slows

China's industrial production growth slowed in January and February, the first such slowdown since September 2003. Analysts said the slowdown was primarily a result of the moderation of export gains and the curbing of investment in the steel, cement and aluminum sectors by the government. Production grew 17% year-on-year in the first two months of the year after 18% growth in December 2003. China's statistics for January and February are combined to compensate for irregularities resulting from the Lunar New Year holiday.