Slower growth for manufacturing output

The average daily output in the Dutch manufacturing industry in May was over 2 percent up on one year previously. Output growth was distinctly lower than in the first months of this year, when the increase was 5 to 6 percent.

Production was higher in all sectors of manufacturing industry compared to May 2006. The increase was most significant (over 7 percent) in production of textiles. The increase in the metal industry and the paper and publishing industry was also above the average for the manufacturing industry as a whole. In chemicals and food, drinks and tobacco, on the other hand, growth was less than 2 percent.

For a more reliable picture of short-term production developments, it is best to look at the production figures after correction of seasonal effects. As monthly figures are often somewhat erratic, the two-month average compared with the previous two-month average is preferred.

After correction for working days and seasonal effects, manufacturing production was nearly 2 percent lower in the period April-May than in the period February-March.

Manufacturing output