Decrease in manufacturing output stable

The average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry was 7 percent down in October 2009 on October 2008. The decrease equalled that of September. Dutch manufacturing output was on average 13 percent down on twelve months previously in the first six months of 2009, but since then the decrease has been smaller each month.

Output was up 4 percent in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products. In all other branches of manufacturing output was lower than in October 2008. The most dramatic reduction - 39 percent - occurred in the sector producing transport equipment. In the food, drinks and tobacco branch the decrease was a mere 1 percent.

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 with 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 September - October was almost 1 percent up on the period July - August 2009.

Manufacturing output