Manufacturing output 3 percent up

The average daily output generated by Dutch manufacturing industry was 3 percent higher in May 2011 than in May 2010. Output growth was slightly marginally than in April, when the growth rate was 1 percent.

With 28 percent, the most substantial growth was recorded in the sector transport equipment. The sector electrical engineering and machinery and the sector basic metals and metal products also generated more output, but in the sector petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, on the other hand, output declined by 3 percent. Output in the sector food, drinks and tobacco was in the same order of magnitude as twelve months previously.

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 April-May was more than 1 percent down on the period February-March.

Manufacturing output (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.