sustained growth year-on-year manufacturing output
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry was 2.3 percent up in November 2015 from the same month last year. This is mainly due to considerable production growth in the pharmaceutical and the chemical industry. Adjusted for seasonal variation, Dutch manufacturing output is at the highest level since 2013.
Production growth in chemical and pharmaceutical industry
Output generated by the pharmaceutical industry grew by nearly 10 percent in November relative to one year previously. Output realised by the chemical industry grew by 7.5 percent. Output of metal, rubber and plastic products, electrical appliances, food products and transport equipment was also up from twelve months previously.
Production generated by the machinery industry, on the other hand, fell further relative to one year previously. This is mainly due to a decline in the number of outstanding orders.
Altogether, the branches referred to in the above graph account for approximately 70 percent of total manufacturing output.
Manufacturing output at highest level since 2013
Figures adjusted for seasonal variation and calendar effects provide a more reliable picture of short-term output developments. From October to November 2015, manufacturing output rose by 1 percent, resulting in the highest output level since 2013.
Manufacturing output adjusted for seasonal variation shows an irregular pattern with many ups and downs, but since mid-2014, the trend has been upward.
Dutch manufacturers somewhat less optimistic
Confidence among Dutch manufacturers deteriorated in December relative to November, as CBS reported a few weeks ago. They were less positive, in particular about their future output. Confidence among manufacturers is still well above its long-term average over the past two decades Since October 2014, optimism has prevailed among Dutch manufacturers.
The mood among German manufacturers, on the other hand, has improved in December compared to one month previously. Germany is an important foreign market for Dutch manufacturing industry.