Manufacturing output 5 percent higher

The average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry was 5 percent higher in October 2010 than in October 2009. The output growth was up slightly on September. Although manufacturing output in each month of 2010 was up on the corresponding month in 2009, output was still below the level of 2008.

Production increased most in the sector transport equipment: 44 percent. At 16 and 10 percent respectively, manufacturing output in electrical engineering and machinery and in basic metals and metal products was also higher than in September 2009. Output in food, drinks and tobacco was marginally above the level of October 2009, whereas in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products output was 4 percent below the level of 2009.

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures adjusted for seasonal variation often show a somewhat erratic pattern. 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 September - October was marginally below that of the period July - August.

Manufacturing output (volume)