Producer prices rise in Europe

BRUSSELS, March 4 (UPI) -- Producer prices in the European Union and eurozone rose 0.6 percent December 2012 to January 2013, the region's data office said Monday.

Prices from January 2012 to January 2013 rose 1.9 percent in the 17-member currency region and 1.8 percent in the broader European Union, Eurostat said.

Excluding the volatile category of energy, producer prices were rose 0.2 percent in both regions from December to January. In the energy sector, prices were up 1.6 percent in the eurozone and 1.5 percent in the EU.

Durable goods prices rose 0.3 percent in both regions, while capital goods and non-durable goods rose 0.2 percent. Prices for goods in intermediate stages of production rose 0.1 percent month to month.