Manufacturing output marginally down

The average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry was more than 1 percent down in November 2011 from November 2010. In October, output still grew by more than 1 percent. Manufacturing output declined for the first time in two years in November.

The production level in the sector petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products was 6 percent below the level of one year previously. Output generated in the sectors basic metals and metal products and electrical engineering and machinery shrank by 1 percent. In some branches, there was output growth. In the sector transport equipment, production was up by 5 percent, although growth was less substantial than in the preceding months. Output was also higher in the sector food, drinks and tobacco (3 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-month average compared to the previous two-month average is a more accurate indicator. After correction for seasonal variation and the number of working days, manufacturing output over the period October-November was 1.0 percent down on the period August-September.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.