Manufacturing output down by 6 percent in March

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© ANP / Jean-Pierre Geusens
In March 2024, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing industry was 6.0 percent lower than it was in March 2023, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Year-on-year output also contracted in the preceding eight months.

Decrease in more than three quarters of industrial sectors

More than three quarters of industrial sectors produced less than they did one year previously. Among the eight larger industrial sectors, output fell the most sharply in the repair and installation of machinery.

Output decreased in March

A more accurate picture of changes in short-term output is obtained when the figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. When these adjustments are made, manufacturing output fell by 1.5 percent in March relative to February.

Adjusted for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output often fluctuates significantly. In the spring of 2020, output declined rapidly, reaching a low point in May 2020. This was followed by an upward trend until May 2022. The trend has reversed since then.

Confidence improving among manufacturers

In April, Dutch manufacturers were less negative than they were in March. They were more positive about expected output, in particular, and less negative about order positions.

Germany is an important market for Dutch manufacturing. In April, German producers were more negative than they were in March, as reported by Eurostat.

Sources

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