Manufacturing output marginally up

The average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry was more than 1 percent up in December 2011 from December 2010. In November, manufacturing output was still 1 percent down on November 2010.

The production level in the sector food, drinks and tobacco was 5 percent above the level of one year previously. Output generated in the sector basic metals and metal products grew by 1 percent. Output in the sectors petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products and transport equipment, on the other hand, declined by 1 percent. The production level in the sector electrical engineering and machinery was 5 percent below the December 2010 level.

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 November-December was 0.4 percent down on the period September-October.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.