Manufacturers less negative in January

In January, producer confidence was below the long-term average of -1.3. It reached an all-time high (10.4) in October 2021 and an all-time low (-31.5) in April 2020.

As of this month, a number of changes have been made to producer confidence. Producer confidence and the component indicators are no longer corrected for insufficient objective assessment (bias) by the producer. This causes a level shift (decrease) of the entire series. In addition, the figures have been recalculated from January 2012 using a different weighting method. The seasonal adjustment method has also been improved.

Mainly less negative on order positions

Manufacturers were mainly less negative about the order positions. They were also less negative about the current stocks of finished products. Finally, manufacturers were more positive about the expected output in the next three months.

One component indicator was positive. Manufacturers anticipating output to increase over the next three months outnumber those expecting a decrease.

Two component indicators were negative. More manufacturers consider their order position to be weak rather than strong, given the time of year. More manufacturers define their current stock of finished products as large rather than small.

Producer confidence most positive in the electrotechnical and machinery industry

Producer confidence in the electrical and machinery industry improved most in January. Manufacturers in this industry were mainly more positive about their order position and expected output. They were also the most positive among the industry's main branches.

Manufacturing output 10 percent down in November

Three weeks ago, CBS reported that in November 2023, the average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry was 10.0 percent lower than it was in November 2022. Year-on-year output contracted as well in the previous months of 2023. Relative to October, output fell by 0.8 percent in November.