Marginal increase stocks of finished products compared to one year ago

Manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were 1 percent up in February from February 2012. The increase is less substantial than in January, when stocks were 4.5 percent up from one year previously. Figures on stocks have been adjusted for price changes.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Manufacturers more pessimistic about their stocks in April

The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication for further development of the index stocks of finished products. In this survey, manufacturers are invited to define their current stocks of finished products as too small (positive), normal or too large (negative) in relation to projected sales. These results are available two months earlier than data on stocks of finished products.

Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks have deteriorated in April. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large outnumber those defining their stocks as too small.

Opinions on stocks of finished products

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.