Manufacturing output marginally up

The average daily output generated by the Dutch manufacturing industry was up by nearly 1 percent in March 2012 from March 2011. In February, output was nearly 3 percent down on one year previously. In 2011, Shrovetide was celebrated in March, whereas in 2012 it already had been celebrated in February. This may have had a downward effect on production growth in February and an upward effect in March.

In March, the most substantial output growth was recorded in the chemical industry and in the sector food, drinks and tobacco. In the sectors transport equipment and electronic products and electrical equipment, on the other hand, output declined.

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 in the period February-March 2012 was just over 1 percent down on the period December 2011-January 2012.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.