Factory gate prices slightly increased in February

Selling prices of the Dutch manufacturing industry increased by 0.2 percent in February 2006 compared to January. The increase in prices was completely accounted for by prices for exports, which increased by 0.4 percent. Prices for products sold in the Netherlands remained almost at the same level.

In February 2006 selling prices were on average 6.6 percent higher than in February 2005. Selling prices on the domestic market were 5.7 percent higher than the year before and export prices 7.2 percent.

Prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods used in manufacturing industry decreased by 0.5 percent in February 2006 compared to January. Prices of imported raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 1.1 percent. Prices of domestic raw materials and semi-manufactured goods increased by 0.5 percent.

In February 2006 the prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods were 13.9 percent higher than in February 2005. Imported raw materials and semi-manufactures were 16.9 percent more expensive and domestic raw materials and semi-manufactures 9.4 percent.

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 February 2006 than in February 2005; prices of raw materials and semi-manufactured goods were 7.1 percent higher.

Factory gate prices