manufacturing output again above last year's level
According to Statistics Netherlands, the average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry in April 2015 was 0.9 percent up from April 2014. In March, output was 1.6 percent higher than in March 2014. Manufacturing output still suffers from the effects from a major closedown in the tobacco industry. If this is not taken into account, output growth would have been even higher.
Output pharmaceutical industry substantially higher, output chemical products sector in decline
Output generated by the pharmaceutical industry was 16 percent higher than in April 2014. Output realised by the sector transport equipment increased by 9 percent. The production of electrical appliances and equipment, machinery, food products and metal products was also up from twelve months previously, but output generated by the sector chemical products fell by nearly 8 percent relative to April 2014.
Altogether, the sectors mentioned above account for nearly 70 percent of total manufacturing output.
Upward trend since summer of 2014
Figures adjusted for seasonal variation and calendar effects provide a more reliable picture of short-term output developments. Manufacturing output increased by 2 percent from March to April 2015.
Seasonally adjusted output figures show an irregular pattern. The highest level in 2014 was reached in February, followed by ups and downs. Since the summer of 2014, the trend has been upward.
Dutch manufacturers again more positive
The mood among Dutch manufacturers has improved in May relative to April. In April, producer confidence also improved. In May, it reached the highest level in more than four years. The improvement recorded in May is largely due to the fact that Dutch manufacturers are much more positive about their order books.
German manufacturers, on the other hand, were somewhat less positive than in April after six months of improvement. Germany is an important foreign market for Dutch manufactured products.
Source, StatLine:
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor