Manufacturing output about the same in August

After adjustment for working day patterns, Dutch industrial production in August 2005 was about the same as in August 2004. In the previous four months manufacturing production was also virtually the same as the year before. 

It is best to use the seasonally adjusted figures to determine short term developments in production. The monthly seasonally adjusted figures show a somewhat erratic course, so the average over two months is compared to the average over the preceding two months.

After adjustment for seasonal effects and working day patterns, manufacturing output in July-August almost equaled the level of May-June 2005, with a slight decrease of     -0.3 percent. The previous two-month period also showed a small decrease. The production of the oil, chemicals and rubber industry increased. The metalindustry and the wood, construction, furniture and other industry produced less than in May-June. Production stayed about the same in the other branches.

The production of consumer goods increased slightly in the period July-August 2005. The production of investment goods fell substantially. The production of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods remained the same. 

Manufacturing output