The State Economic and Trade Commission has forecast that production in several heavy industry sectors will be slower this year than last, South China Morning Post said. Electricity production would top 1,750bn kWh in 2003, a rise of 6.7 per cent from last year, but contrasting with a 10.8 per cent increase in 2001. Primary steel output would rise by 7.1 per cent to 195m tonnes, compared with 20.3 per cent last year, but growth in production of non-ferrous metals would decline only from 14.5 per cent to 13 per cent. Cement production would rise by 4.9 per cent to Yn740m tonnes, down from last year's 13.7 per cent growth, while flat glass production is projected to increase by 5.3 per cent to 240m tonnes, after growing by 11.5 per cent in 2001.
Coal output is set to grow by 2 per cent this year and exports by 5 per cent to 90m tonnes, according to a development target set by the SETC. This is down on last year's estimated 18 per cent growth, due partly to growing imports and improved efficiency at the China's power plants.
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