Manufacturing output invariably low

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

Manufacturing output dropped across all branches compared to June 2008. With a loss of 4 percent, the food, drinks and tobacco branch performed best. The most dramatic reduction by 33 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 May - June equalled the level in March - April 2009.

Manufacturing output