Declining growth manufacturing output
Again considerable production growth in transport equipment industries
Output generated by the transport equipment industry (cars, buses, lorries) grew by almost 14 percent. Output growth in the food sector, the electrical appliances and the metal products industry was also above average. The production of the pharmaceutical, the machine, the rubber and plastic industry, and the chemical industry was lower compared to March 2015.
| % change | |
|---|---|
| Transport equipment | 13.7 |
| Food products | 6.8 |
| Electrotechnical products | 4.7 |
| Metal products | 4.1 |
| Chemical products | -0.9 |
| Rubber and plastic products | -2.9 |
| Machinery | -5.3 |
| Pharmaceutical products | -20.3 |
| Manufacturing (total) | 0.3 |
Altogether, the branches referred to in the above graph account for approximately 70 percent of total manufacturing output.
Trend manufacturing output is positive
Figures adjusted for seasonal variation and calendar effects provide a more reliable picture of short-term output developments. From February 2016 to March 2016 manufacturing output decreased. Manufacturing output adjusted for seasonal variation shows an irregular pattern with many ups and downs, but since mid-2014, the trend has been upward.
Confidence among Dutch manufacturers reached the highest level in 5 years
A few weeks ago Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported that the confidence among Dutch manufacturers improved further in April reaching the highest level in 5 years. Confidence among manufacturers is 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 also improved in April compared to March. Germany is an important foreign market for Dutch manufacturing industry.
The numbers in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted