Manufacturing output down

In the period November-December 2004 manufacturing output was 0.4 percent down on the period September-October. Turnover of Dutch manufacturing industry rose by 11 percent in December 2004 compared to December 2003. The increase in turnover was chiefly caused by higher selling prices and two extra working days, according to provisional figures published by Statistics Netherlands.

Dutch manufacturing output down again

Dutch manufacturing output declined in the period November-December 2004. After adjustment for working days and seasonal effects output was 0.4 percent down on the period September-October 2004. Output was also falling in the previous periods. Production of raw materials and semi-fabricated goods as well as investment and consumer goods dropped in the period November-December 2004. If adjustments for the working day pattern are taken into account, manufacturing output was slightly higher in December 2004 than in the same month of the previous year. In the four preceding months manufacturing output was lower.

Selling prices and extra working days contribute to higher turnover

Turnover of Dutch manufacturing industry on the foreign market was 15 percent higher in December 2004 than in December 2003. Turnover on the domestic market rose by 6 percent. Altogether, sales were 11 percent up.Selling prices, which were on average almost 7 percent higher than in December 2003, had a favourable effect on turnover. Higher selling prices are mainly the result of substantial price rises in the sectors petroleum, chemicals and rubber. Furthermore, December 2004 had two extra working days compared to December 2003. Statistics Netherlands estimates the positive effect of the extra working days at 5 percent.

Turnover and output on the increase in 2004

In 2004 turnover of Dutch manufacturing industry was 7 percent up on 2003. Selling prices were on average more than 4 percent higher. All sectors of Dutch manufacturing industry managed to equal or surpass their 2003 turnover. Manufacturing output rose by 0.3 percent in 2004 and appears to have improved slightly compared to one year previously. In 2003 output was still 2.8 percent down on 2002. Improvement was found in virtually all sectors.

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