Increase manufacturing output

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 4 percent up in February 2010 on February 2009. In January, output was 5 percent above the level of January 2009. 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 13 percent in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products. With an output growth by 11 and 7 percent respectively, the electro-technical products and machinery branch and the metal industry (basic metals and metal products) also performed well. In the food, drinks and tobacco branch output was also higher than in January 2009. In the branch producing transport equipment 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 January - February 2010 was 4 percent up on the period November - December 2009.

Manufacturing output