Manufacturing output up in July

Strongest production growth in electrotechnical equipment industry

Output generated by the electrotechnical equipment industry was over 19 percent up in July 2017 from July last year. The industries producing transport equipment, machinery, rubber and plastic products, and metal products recorded above-average output growth as well. However, output generated by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and chemical products was down from June 2016.

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, a decrease is seen in the manufacturing output in July of 0.7 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 less confident in August

Confidence among Dutch manufacturers deteriorated in August. Manufacturers are notably less positive about their order books. Although confidence has deteriorated over two consecutive months, the indicator is still well above its long-term average during the past two decades.

Germany is an important foreign market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. Confidence among German manufacturers reached an all-time high in August. The average daily output generated by the German manufacturing industry was 4.5 percent higher in July 2017 than one year previously.

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