Selling prices of manufactured products nearly 4 percent up

Selling prices in Dutch manufacturing industry were 3.8 percent higher in March than twelve months previously. Prices on the foreign market rose by 4.1 percent, prices on the domestic market by 3.4 percent. Selling prices of manufactured products increased by 4.7 percent in February.  Over the past six months, selling prices increased less rapidly.

In nearly all branches, manufacturers charged higher prices for their products than in March 2011. Prices of petroleum-derived products rose most notably, just as in the preceding months. In this sector, prices were up by 15 percent relative to one year previously, but the increase was marginally below the level of the preceding months. Prices of basic metal products dropped by 2.6 percent relative to March 2011.

Selling prices in manufacturing industry were 0.8 percent higher in March than in February. In the preceding months, prices also rose from one month to the next. Crude oil price developments largely account for the month-on-month price increases. The price of a barrel of North Sea Brent oil averaged 94 euro in March, the highest price recorded in decades.

Factory gate prices

Factory gate prices

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.