Manufacturing output virtually unchanged in November

After adjustment for working day patterns, Dutch manufacturing production in November 2005 was about the same as in November 2004. In October the production was likewise about the same as in October 2004.

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 declined by 0.3 percent in the period October-November 2005 compared to August-September. The production of investment goods and of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods increased in October-November. The production of consumer goods declined considerably compared to August-September.

In the first eleven months of 2005 manufacturing output was on average 0.2 percent lower than in the same period a year before. Output increased slightly in the petroleum, chemicals and rubber industry, the food, drinks and tobacco industry and the wood, building materials, furniture and other manufacturing industry. Compared to January-November 2004 output dropped in the metal industry, the publishing and printing industry and the textile industry.

Manufacturing output