Increase in manufacturing output

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 7 percent up in March 2010 on March 2009. In February, output was 4 percent above the level of February 2009. It should 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 2009 output grew for the first time. Manufacturing output in March is still considerably below the level of March 2008.

Output was up 15 percent in the metal industry (basic metals and metal products) and in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products. With an output growth of 10 percent, electrical engineering and machinery also performed well. In the food, drinks and tobacco branch and the branch producing transport equipment, manufacturing output was also higher than in March 2009.

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 February – March 2010 was fractionally down on the period December 2009 - January 2010.

Manufacturing output