Output contraction manufacturing industry eases off

The average daily production realised by Dutch manufacturing industry was 1.9 percent down in April 2013 from April 2012. The contraction was less substantial than in March, when manufacturing output was 4.3 percent down from one year previously.

With 8.0 percent, the most substantial slump was recorded in the sector transport equipment. Output realised by the sector petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products was 6.8 percent down from one year previously. In the sector basic metal products, production dropped only 0.3 percent below the level of April 2012. Output generated by the sector food, drinks and tobacco, on the other hand, improved 2.2 percent. Output increased for the fourth month running. Output in the sector electrical products and machinery was also up, but the growth was modest (0.8 percent).

Average daily output in manufacturing industry (volume)

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term output developments. In April, output rose by 0.6 percent. In March, manufacturing output dropped to the lowest level in nearly three years.

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.