Manufacturing turnover 6 percent up

In March, Dutch manufacturing turnover was 6 percent up on the same month in 2006. The increase lags a little behind the growth rates of January and February. In the first three months of 2007, turnover rose by an average 8 percent, compared to the same period one year previously.

March 2007 had one working day less than March 2006. The negative effect thereof on turnover is estimated at 2.5 percent. Just as in the preceding months, better sales largely account for the higher turnover. Selling prices were less than 2 percent higher than one year ago.

For the first time in twelve months, turnover increase on the domestic market was higher than on the foreign market. Domestic turnover increased by 7 percent relative to one year previously. Turnover on the foreign market grew by 5 percent in March.

Turnover increased in all branches of industry. With 12 percent, the most substantial turnover increase was recorded in the metal industry. Turnover of basic metals and manufactured metal products has been in the double digits for seven months running. Wood and building materials also realised a substantial turnover increase, just like in the preceding months.

Turnover industry