Output manufacturing industry down

The average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry was down by over 3 percent in February 2012 from February 2011. In January, manufacturing output was down by more than 1 percent on one year previously.

Output fell across all sectors of manufacturing industry. Output in the sector transport equipment and the sector food, drinks and tobacco declined by approximately 5 percent. The cold weather in February affected the construction sector and as a result the output of wood products and construction materials dropped significantly by 22 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 January-February was 2 percent down on the period November-December.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.