Manufacturing output invariably low

In May, the average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 13 percent down on May 2008. The decrease was more or less the same as in the five preceding months. Industrial output has declined since the summer of 2008 relative to one year previously.

Manufacturing output dropped across all branches compared to May 2008. With a loss of 2 percent, the food, drinks and tobacco branch performed best. The most dramatic reduction by 38 percent occurred in the sector transport equipment.

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures not adjusted for seasonal effects are often somewhat erratic. Therefore, the two-monthly average compared to the previous two-monthly average is a more accurate indicator. After correction for seasonal variation and the number of working days, manufacturing output in the period April-May equalled the level in February-March 2009.

Manufacturing output