Manufacturing output 10 percent up

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 10 percent up in April 2010 on April 2009. In March, output was 7 percent above the level of March 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 lower than twelve months previously in December 2008 and the first six months of 2009, but since then the decline has grown smaller each month. In December 2009, output increased for the first time. Manufacturing output in April is still considerably below the level of April 2008.

Output was 17 percent up in electrical engineering and machinery and 16 percent up in basic metals and metal products. With an output growth of 12 percent, petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products also performed well. Manufacturing output was also higher in transport equipment (9 percent) and in food, drinks and tobacco (2 percent).

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 March - April was almost 2 percent up on the period January - February.

Manufacturing output (volume)