Manufacturing output 7 percent up

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 7 percent higher in June than one year previously. In May, output growth was 9 percent. It should be taken into account that throughout the first six months of 2009, manufacturing output was on average 13 percent below the level of twelve months previously. In June 2010, manufacturing output also remained far below the level of 2008.

Production increased most in electrical engineering and machinery and in basic metals and metal products. Output was 22 and 17 percent higher respectively relative to June 2009. Production in transport equipment increased by 15 percent. Manufacturing output was also higher in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products and in food, drinks and tobacco, but with 4 and 3 percent respectively, the increase was more modest.

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures not adjusted for seasonal variation 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 May–June did not change relative to the period March–April.

Manufacturing output (volume)