Investment by manufacturing industry down slightly in 2010

In the spring of 2010, Dutch manufacturers estimated that investment would be 2 percent lower in 2010 than in 2009. The value of their investments is estimated at 7 billion euro.

The overall picture is mixed. Companies in the metal and electrical engineering industry expect a 13 percent downturn. Manufacturers of food, drinks and tobacco, and those of chemical products expect investment to be around the same as in 2009. Companies in the petroleum industry are the most optimistic; they expect to invest almost 40 percent more than in 2009.

In the autumn of 2009, manufacturers were also slightly pessimistic about their investments in 2010, anticipating a slight fall of 1 percent. It is not uncommon for companies to adjust their expectations upwards or downwards after a period, as they gain more insight into the realisation of planned investments and whether they may be postponed or brought forward.

Autumn surveys on expected investment spending in the manufacturing industry are conducted in September each year, while spring surveys are held in February.

Investment by manufacturing companies (2010 is expectation)