Manufacturing output 3 percent up

The average daily output generated in Dutch manufacturing industry was more than 3 percent higher in March 2011 than in March 2010. Output growth was significantly down on February, when an output growth of 9 percent was realised.

Output growth was less substantial than last month, but growth remained unevenly spread across the various sectors of manufacturing industry. The most substantial growth was recorded in the sector transport equipment (+ 32 percent). Electrical engineering and machinery and basic metals and metal products realised a production growth by 7 percent relative to March 2010. In petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, output also increased. In food, drinks and tobacco, production shrank by 4 percent.

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 to 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 February–March 2011 was almost 2 percent up on the period December–January.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.