Sizeable increase manufacturing turnover

In May 2006, manufacturing turnover increased by 15 percent compared to May last year, the largest increase in more than half a decade. In the first five months of 2006, manufacturing turnover was more than 9 percent up on the same period one year previously.

Nearly half of the increase is the result of higher selling prices. In May, the price of a barrel of crude oil hit a new record high. Selling prices in chemical industry, rose by no less than 16 percent. May 2006 also had two extra working days compared to May last year. Statistics Netherlands estimates the positive effect at 5 percentage points. 

Domestic turnover grew by 13 percent in May. With 17 percent, turnover increase on the foreign market was even higher. Metal industry thrived on the foreign market, realising a turnover increase by 21 percent, while prices rose by just under 3 percent.

Turnover industry