Manufacturing output growth again 5 percent

The average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 5 percent higher in December 2010 than in December 2009. Output growth was nearly equal to October and November. Although manufacturing output in all months of 2010 was up on the corresponding month in 2009, output was still below the pre-economic crisis level.

Production increased most in the sector transport equipment: 32 percent. With 15 and 13 percent respectively, manufacturing output in electrical engineering and machinery and in basic metals and metal products was also higher than in December 2009. Output in petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products was 1 percent above the level of December 2009, whereas in food, drinks and tobacco, output was 3 percent below the 2009 level.

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures adjusted for seasonal variation often show a somewhat erratic pattern. Therefore, the two-monthly average compared to the previous two-monthly average is a more accurate indicator. After correction for seasonal variation and the number of working days, manufacturing output in the period November–December was 1.1 percent up on the period September–October.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle