Production growth manufacturing industry
The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was more than 1 percent up in December 2012 from December 2011. In November, manufacturing output had been at about the same level as twelve months previously.
Output realised by the sector petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, the largest within manufacturing industry, increased by 5 percent, but output in the sector electronics and machinery, declined by nearly 8 percent. Production levels generated by the sectors food, drinks and tobacco and basic metals and metal products was also down. They dropped by more than 2 and nearly 3 percent respectively.
Average daily output in manufacturing industry (volume)
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 November-December increased by 2.8 percent relative to the period September-October.
The spur at the end of the year was not enough to keep production levels stable in 2012. The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry decreased by 0.7 percent relative to 2011.
Seasonally adjusted average daily output in manufacturing industry
More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.
For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.