The product price index for large firms, which measures the number of firms that see rising prices less those which see price declines, showed prolonged downward pressure on prices.

The September figures that follow are compared with the June data:
Large manufacturers - minus 33 vs minus 29
Large base material producers - minus 32 vs minus 24
Large processors - minus 34 vs minus 31
Mid- and small-sized manufacturers - minus 38 vs minus 37
Mid- and small base material producers - minus 39 vs minus 35
Mid- and small processors - minus 38 vs minus 38

The actual indices contained in the latest report compare with the following forecasts for September released in the June survey:
Large manufacturers - minus 27
Large base material producers - minus 18
Large processors - minus 30
Mid- and small-sized manufacturers - minus 39
Mid- and small base material producers - minus 39
Mid- and small processors - minus 40

The central bank provided the following forecasts for the December indices:
Large manufacturers - minus 31
Large base material producers - minus 21
Large processors - minus 35
Mid- and small-sized manufacturers - minus 43
Mid- and small base material producers - minus 39
Mid- and small processors - minus 45