Factory gate prices further down in December

Selling prices of the Dutch manufacturing industry dropped by an average 0.3 percent in December 2005 compared to November. This is the second month in a row that they have fallen. The fall in December was completely accounted for by prices for exports, which fell by 0.4 percent. Prices for products sold in the Netherlands remained at the same level.

In December 2005 selling prices were on average 6.7 percent higher than in December 2004. Selling prices on the domestic market were 5.6 percent higher than the year before and export prices 7.5 percent. In 2005 selling prices for manufactured products were 6.2 percent higher on average than in 2004.

Prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods used in manufacturing industry increased by 0.9 percent in December 2005 compared to November. Prices of imported raw materials and semi-manufactures rose by 1.0 percent. Prices of domestic raw materials and semi-manufactured goods increased by 0.8 percent.

In December 2005 the prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods were 14.4 percent higher than in December 2004. Imported raw materials and semi-manufactures were 18.2 percent more expensive and domestic raw materials and semi-manufactures 8.7 percent. In 2005 prices of intermediate consumption by the manufacturing industry were on average 10.2 percent higher than in 2004.

Prices of crude oil and oil products largely account for the development of producer prices. Excluding the oil industry, selling prices of Dutch manufacturing industry were 2.7 percent higher in December 2005 than in December 2004; prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods were 6.5 percent higher.

Factory gate prices