Marginal increase manufacturing output

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 1 percent up in December 2009 on December 2008. In November, output was still 2 percent below the level of November 2008. It needs to be taken into account that the real downturn in output started in November 2008. Dutch manufacturing output was on average 13 percent down on twelve months previously in December 2008 and the first six months of 2009, but since then the decrease has been smaller each month. In December output grew for the first time.

Output was up 19 percent in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products. Output achieved by manufacturers of electrotechnical products and machinery was also higher. In all other branches of manufacturing output was lower than in December 2008.

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 November - December was 1 percent down on the period September - October 2009.

Throughout the entire year 2009, manufacturing output fell by 9 percent. In 2008, output was nearly 1 percent down on one year previously.

Manufacturing output