Reduction in manufacturing stocks continues

In November, manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were almost 2 percent down on November 2009. The reduction equalled the figure for October. Stocks of finished products have been below the level of twelve months previously for almost two years now. The index stocks of finished products (2005=100) was 98.6 in November, an increase of more than 1 point on October.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Pleased with stock levels  

The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication of the development of the index stocks of finished products. 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 stocks of finished products.

In January 2011, manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks were even more positive than in December. More manufacturers evaluated their stocks as too small than as too large.

Opinions on stocks of finished products