Välituotekulutusten

Välituotekulutusten, often translated as intermediate consumption, refers to the value of goods and services that are used up or transformed in the production process of other goods and services within an accounting period. These are inputs that are not themselves final products but are essential for the creation of final goods and services. Examples include raw materials, components, fuel, electricity, and services like marketing or accounting that are used by a business to produce its output.

In economic accounting, intermediate consumption is a crucial component in the calculation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is subtracted from the total value of output to arrive at value added. Value added represents the contribution of a producer to GDP, reflecting the difference between the value of their output and the value of the intermediate consumption they used. This distinction is important because it avoids double-counting. If intermediate consumption were not subtracted, the value of raw materials would be counted multiple times as they pass through various stages of production.

The concept of intermediate consumption is applied across all sectors of the economy. It helps economists understand the structure of production, the interdependencies between different industries, and the efficiency of resource utilization. Tracking intermediate consumption also provides insights into supply chains and the flow of goods and services within an economy. The precise definition and measurement of intermediate consumption are standardized by international guidelines, such as those provided by the United Nations in the System of National Accounts (SNA).