Manufacturers' stocks of finished products declining

Manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were more than 1 percent down in November 2012 from November 2011. In the preceding three months, stocks also declined compared to twelve months previously. The figures have been adjusted for price changes.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks slightly improved in January

The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication for further development of the index stocks of finished products. In this survey, manufacturers are invited to define their current stocks of finished products as too small (positive), normal, or too large (negative) in relation to projected sales. These results are available two months earlier than data on stocks of finished products.

Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks improved somewhat in January, but manufacturers defining their stocks as too large have outnumbered those defining their stocks as too small for nearly two years now.

Opinions on stocks of finished products

Opinions on stocks of finished products

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.