Sustained reduction manufacturing stocks

In July, manufacturers had reduced their stocks of finished products by more than 7 percent relative to the same month one year previously. The reduction was less substantial than in the preceding months. For nearly eighteen months, stocks of finished products have continually been smaller than one year previously. The index stocks of finished products (2005=100) stood at 94.8 in July, i.e. 1.5 points down on June and the lowest point recorded since the series was started in 2004.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Manufacturers less pleased with level of their stocks

The Business Sentiment Survey for the manufacturing industry provides a first indication of the development of the index stocks of finished products in the near future. In this survey, manufacturers are invited to define their current stocks of finished products as too large (negative), normal or too small (positive) in relation to projected sales. These results are available two months earlier than data on the stocks of finished products.

In September 2010, manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks were somewhat more negative than in August. In August, sentiments had marginally improved. The number of manufacturers evaluating their stocks as too large was somewhat higher than those evaluating them as too small. In recent months, manufacturers were less pleased about the level of their stocks. From early 2009 until May 2010, manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks had gradually improved.

Opinions on stocks of finished products