Decline in factory gate prices remains stable

Factory gate prices in Dutch manufacturing were 12.5 percent lower in September 2009 than in September 2008. The price drop was equal to the one in August. Since November 2008, prices of manufactured products have continuously been lower than twelve months previously.

Prices of products in the petroleum processing and refining industry in particular were lower in September. Petroleum-related products were 34 percent cheaper. Price developments in this sector are seriously affected by the price of crude oil. The euro price of a barrel of North Sea Brent oil was nearly 33 percent down on one year previously.

Prices of products manufactured by the chemical and basic metal industry were considerably lower. Prices dropped by approximately 25 percent relative to one year previously. Factory gate prices in the food processing and the paper industries dropped by 6 percent. In a few branches, prices were higher in September than twelve months previously. This applies, for instance, to drinks, tobacco products and furniture.

Prices decreased by 0.6 percent in September compared to August. Prices on the domestic market equalled those in the previous month. Products sold on the foreign market were 1 percent cheaper than in August.

Factory gate prices