Substantial increase manufacturing output

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 6 percent up in January 2010 on January 2009. In December, output was still 2 percent above the level of December 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. With an output growth by 11 percent, the metal industry (basic metals and metal products) also performed well. Output growth in this branch has not occurred for nearly eighteen months. In the food, drinks and tobacco branch output was also higher than in January 2009. In all other branches of manufacturing output was lower.

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 December 2009 – January 2010 was 3 percent up on the period October - November 2009.

Manufacturing output