5,294 persons emigrated from Estonia last year

According to Statistics Estonia, in 2010, 5,294 persons emigrated from Estonia and 2,810 persons immigrated into Estonia. Emigration increased and immigration decreased compared to the previous year.

In 2010, emigration exceeded immigration by 2,484 persons. 636 persons more emigrated and 1,074 persons less immigrated compared to the previous year. Since the restoration of independence emigration has exceeded immigration in Estonia.

60% of the immigrants were males. There were slightly more females in emigration. Slightly more than a half of the immigrants were Estonian citizens, of the emigrants almost 90%. Most immigrants came from Finland, Russia, Ukraine and United Kingdom. Those were also the countries where people emigrated to, in addition to Germany, Ireland and USA.

External migration, 2004–2010

Internal migration in 2010

Internal migration where a person changes the place of residence crossing the county, city or rural municipality borders stayed on the level of the previous year in 2010. Approximately 37,500 persons changed their place of residence crossing the county, city or rural municipality borders. Immigration exceeded emigration in internal migration the most in Tallinn (net migration was positive which means that the population of Tallinn grew due to migration by 2,353 persons), which was followed by Harku and Rae rural municipalities (the population grew due to migration by 853 and 442 persons, respectively). The biggest losers in internal migration were Pärnu and Tarty cities (more persons emigrated than immigrated).

Continually people from peripheries migrate to cities and from there to hinterland in internal migration. The biggest attraction centre is Tallinn that was able to keep the net migration positive for the second year in a row due to the immigrants from all over Estonia.

In external as well as internal migration most of the migrants are persons in their twenties and thirties.

Tallinn migration hinterland, 2010

The number of population published by Statistics Estonia is based on the 2000 Population and Housing Census data and is complemented by the annual data on registered births and deaths. Since 2000, Statistics Estonia has not used immigration and emigration data in the estimation of the population because the 2000 Population Census showed that the registration of migration was insufficient. It was mainly caused by the voluntary registration of the place of residence from the beginning of the 1990s up to 2005. Since 2006, the quality of migration data has improved. Therefore, since 2009 Statistics Estonia publishes two population numbers – one with and other without migration.

On 1 January 2010, the population gap between population with and without migration was 17,000 persons. This does not show one year’s migration, but it shows that since 2000 17,000 persons more have emigrated from Estonia than immigrated to Estonia. Statistics Estonia will publish the 2011 population with migration on 30 May.

Statistics Estonia will continue publishing the population number with and without migration until the new Population Census. After the 2011 Population Census Statistics Estonia will switch to one unified population number. We will see from the results of the 2011 Population and Housing Census which will begin on 31 December 2011 whether the last decades’ migration was the same as the registered migration which serves as a basis for calculations at present.

Migration is the change of the place of residence which in case of external migration crosses the country borders, in case of internal migration – the county, city or rural municipality borders. Net migration is the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants during a year. The positive net migration shows the predominance of immigration, the negative net migration indicates the predominance of emigration.

Source: Statistics Estonia

Sugar price doubles in six months

Deficit of sugar in the European Union means that the price of sugar has roughly doubled since January and one-kilo package now costs 1.59 euros, up from 0.7 euros at the beginning of the year, writes Postimees. Such rapid growth is likely to drive up prices of other food products in which sugar is a key ingredient.

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The production of industrial enterprises grew 32%

According to Statistics Estonia, in April 2011 the production of industrial enterprises grew 32% compared to April of the previous year. The production showed a 30% growth for the eighth month in succession compared to the same month of the previous year.

The growth of production has been mainly influenced by the increase in external demand as previously, but the domestic demand also increased compared to April of the previous year.

In April 2011, the production of manufacturing increased 38% compared to April 2010. Export sales of the manufacturing production grew significantly (62%). About three quarters (73%) of the whole production of manufacturing was sold on the external market. The demand on the domestic market was continually lower – the domestic sales increased 17% compared to April of the previous year.

In April, the production exceeded the volume of the same month of the previous year in most branches of industry. The manufacturing of electronic products increased by more than four times compared to April of the previous year. This branch accounted for a quarter of the total production in manufacturing. The branches holding bigger shares were also the manufacturing of wood and metal products where the production grew 13% and 10%, respectively. With respect to the branches of manufacturing holding smaller shares, the production increased considerably in the manufacturing of machinery and equipment mainly due to the increase in exports.

In April 2011 compared to March, the seasonally adjusted industrial production as well as manufacturing remained on the same level.

In April 2011 compared to April 2010, the production of electricity increased 5% and the production of heat decreased 1%.

The volume index and trend of production in manufacturing, January 2002 – April 2011
(2005 = 100)

 

Read more from Statistics Estonia

Retail sales turned to a rise this year

According to Statistics Estonia, in April 2011 compared to April of the previous year the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises increased 8% at constant prices. This year the retail sales grew for the third months in succession.

Compared to the same month of the previous year, the retail sales of retail trade enterprises started to grow again in autumn 2010, after two and a half years’ decline. In January this year the retail sales slightly fell but in February it turned to a rise again and the growth continued also in March and April.

In April, the retail sales of goods of retail trade enterprises were 325 million euros (5.1 billion kroons). The increase in retail sales of goods was mostly influenced by the stores selling manufactured goods, where the retail sales increased by a tenth compared to April 2010. The sales increased in most economic activities. Only the retail sales in pharmaceutical goods and cosmetics were smaller than in April of the previous year. With regard to this economic activity, one of the reasons for the fall in the sales was also higher reference base of the previous year. In April, the retail sales in non-specialized stores with industrial goods predominating increased the most, where the retail sales increased 18% during the year. Stores selling household goods and appliances, hardware and building materials and other specialized stores were also successful. In these stores the retail sales increased 13% and 12%, respectively. The retail sales in stores selling textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods that had been in fall since the beginning of the year, turned to a rise again in April, growing 6% compared to April of the previous year.

The retail sales in grocery stores also slightly recovered in April and turned from decrease to increase. The retail sales of these stores increased 1% compared to April 2010. The growth in retail sales of these stores was partly influenced by the low reference base in April of the previous year. At the same time the price increase of food products is still rapid.

Compared to the previous month, the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 6% at constant prices. According to the seasonally and working-day adjusted data the retail sales increased by 4%. During the four months of 2011 (January-April), the retail sales in retail trade enterprises increased 4% at constant prices compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In April the revenues from sales of retail trade enterprises were 403 million euros (6.3 billion kroons), out of which the retail sales of goods accounted for 81%. Compared to April 2010, the revenues from sales increased 16% at current prices. Compared to the previous month, this indicator increased 8%.

Retail sales volume index of retail trade enterprises and its trend, January 2002 – April 2011 (2005 = 100)

Source: Statistics Estonia

Production of Estonian construction enterprises grew by a third

According to Statistics Estonia, in the 1st quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the total production of Estonian construction enterprises in Estonia and foreign countries grew 34%, of which 29% on domestic market.

In the 1st quarter of 2011, the production value of construction enterprises amounted to 264 million euros (4.1 billion kroons), of which the production value of building construction was 176 million euros and the production of civil engineering totalled 88 million euros (2.7 and 1.4 billion kroons, respectively). Compared to the same quarter of 2010, the volume of building construction increased about 40% and the volume of civil engineering more than a fourth. The rapid growth in construction volumes was mainly influenced by the low reference base in 2010 when the decline on the construction market was the biggest. Regardless of the rapid increase in construction production in the 1st quarter of 2011, the construction volumes have reached the level of the 1st quarter of 2004. During the last years the construction market has been supported mainly by the construction of infrastructure objects, but by now also the building construction is on the upswing due to favourable conditions created for reconstruction of buildings.

The construction volume of Estonian construction enterprises in foreign countries increased 71% compared to the 1st quarter of the previous year. The increase was mainly caused by the building constructions. The share of the construction volumes in foreign countries accounted for 15% of the total volume of construction volume in the 1st quarter.

Compared to the 4th quarter of the previous year, the seasonally and working-day adjusted construction volume increased by 14%.

According to the data of the Register of Construction Works, in the 1st quarter of 2011, the number of dwelling completions was 366, i.e. about two times less than in the same period of 2010. More than a half of completed dwellings were situated in one-family, two-family or terraced houses. The majority of completed dwellings were situated in the neighbouring rural municipalities of Tallinn. In spite of the consumer’s price sensitivity the demand for new dwellings with good location and quality has grown continuously. In the 1st quarter of 2011, building permits were granted for the construction of 990 dwellings, which exceeded the number of dwellings in the previous quarter as well as in the 1st quarter of 2010. The most popular type of building was blocks of flats.

In the 1st quarter of 2011, the number of completed non-residential buildings was 143 with the useful floor area of 72,000 square metres. The useful floor area of transport, agriculture and industrial buildings increased the most. Compared to the same period of 2010, the useful floor area and the cubic capacity of completed non-residential buildings decreased.

Construction volume index and its trend, 1st quarter 2000 – 1st quarter 2011
(average of quarters of 2005 = 100)

Source: Statistics Estonia

Latvian President proposes dissolution of the parliament

Late in the evening of 28 May, the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers announced live on national TV that he is proposing the dissolution of the Latvian parliament Saeima, writes news2biz.

According to the Constitution of Latvia, the question is now up for nation-wide vote in a referendum. If the voters side with Zatlers, new parliamentary elections will be held. If voters reject his idea, Zatlers is dismissed from his job instead. During his address, Zatlers severely criticised the widespread corruption and nepotism in the Latvian politics, explaining that this radical situation calls for radical solutions. 

It is almost certain that the Latvian voters will vote for dissolution of Saeima. In that case, new elections will be held late August – early September.

Source: BBN

Estonians earn 4.87 euros per hour

According to Statistics Estonia, in the 1st quarter of 2011, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 792 euros (12,397 kroons) and the hourly gross wages and salaries were 4.87 euros (76.20 kroons). Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were by 4.5% higher and the average hourly gross wages and salaries were by 2.3% higher.

The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased for the fourth quarter in succession. The average monthly gross wages and salaries of the 1st quarter were influenced by irregular bonuses and premiums. The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 3.2% compared to the 1st quarter of 2010. At the same time, the irregular bonuses and premiums per employee grew on an average 57.9%.

The real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index and which shows the purchasing power of wages and salaries, decreased for the tenth quarter in succession. In the 1st quarter of 2011 the real wages decreased by 0.9%.

According to the survey of wages and salaries statistics, as at the end of March, the number of employees was 1.2% larger than at the same time in 2010.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (18.9%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (3.9%).

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (16.6%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (7.0%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 749 euros (11,723 kroons) in January, 785 euros (12,284 kroons) in February and 843 euros (13,197 kroons) in March.

In the 1st quarter of 2011, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,074 euros (16,810 kroons) and the average hourly labour costs were 6.99 euros (109.39 kroons). Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 4.3% and the average hourly labour costs by 1.8%.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in mining and quarrying (17.5%), and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (4.2%).

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (16.5%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (8.4%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2011, the sample included 11,277 enterprises, institutions and organisations. The average monthly gross wages and salaries have been given in full time units to enable a comparison of different wages and salaries, irrespective of the length of working time. Calculations of the monthly gross wages and salaries are based on payments for actually worked time and remuneration for time not worked. The hourly gross wages and salaries do not include remuneration for time not worked (holiday leave pay, benefits, etc.). In short term statistics, the average gross wages and salaries are measured as a component of labour costs. Labour costs include gross wages and salaries, employer’s contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions to employees.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries, 1st quarter 2007– 1st quarter 2011 (euros)

	Year	1st quarter	2nd quarter	3rd quarter	4th quarter
2007	724	660	738	697	784
2008	825	788	850	800	838
2009	784	776	813	752	783
2010		758	822	759	814
		792

 

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Deputy mayor kicked out of Narva city government

Narva city government has decided to release from office deputy mayor Andrei Filippov who is suspected of corruption and distorting competition, writes Äripäev.

The police detained Filippov and three local businessmen last week on suspicion of participating in an arrangement whereby the deputy mayor received bribe money for helping construction companies secure city contracts.

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Hansabuss opens direct bus line from Tallinn Airport to city center

Hansabuss launched today a new bus line No. 90K to provide passengers with easy access from Tallinn Airport to the city center.  The new route should make it easier for foreign travelers to navigate in the city.  The bus departs from the airport every full and half hour from 8 o’clock in the morning until 6 o’clock in the afternoon.

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Price of electricity to go up by about 20% in 2013

A new survey by the ministry of economic affairs says that price of household electricity will go up by about a fifty in 2013 when Estonia fully liberalises its electricity market and everybody will be buying electricity from the open market, writes Äripäev.

The ministry has prepared amendments to the electricity market act and sent the draft amendments to other government agencies for approval.

When the Estonian electricity market is liberalized, its price will be set by the Nordic electricity exchange.

 

In April, one MWh of electricity cost 55 euros on the exchange while the regulated price on the Estonian domestic market was 30 euros per MWh.

The finance ministry has said that full liberalisation of the Estonian power market mean that the price of electricity will go up by about 20% in the next three years.

“Our spring forecast estimates that the major cause for an increase in electricity tariffs in the next few years will be the opening of the electricity market in 2013,” said Rainer Laurits from the finance ministry.

Source: BBN