Manufacturing output up again

Strongest production growth in machinery industry

Output generated by the machinery industry was more than 24 percent up in May 2017 from May last year. The industries producing transport equipment, electrotechnical equipment, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastic products and chemicals recorded above-average output growth as well. However, output generated by manufacturers of food products and metal products was down from May 2016.

Altogether, the industries referred to in the above graph account for approximately 70 percent of total manufacturing output.

Manufacturing output shows positive trend

A more accurate picture of short-term output developments is obtained when figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. After adjustments, an increase is seen in the manufacturing output in May of 1.2 percent on the previous month.

Adjusted for seasonal variation, manufacturing output shows an irregular pattern with many ups and downs, but since mid-2014, the overall trend has been upward.

Manufacturers more confident in June

Confidence among Dutch manufacturers improved in June. Manufacturers are notably more positive about their order books.

Germany is an important foreign market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. German manufacturers were slightly more positive in June than in May. They were especially more positive about their future output and expect to increase production levels. The average daily output generated by the German manufacturing industry was 4.9 percent higher in May 2017 than one year earlier.

The figures in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted.