Manufacturers hold larger stocks

According to Statistics Netherlands, manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were 1.7 percent up in May 2014 from May 2013. In April, stocks of finished products were 0.7 percent higher than one year previously. Stock figures have been adjusted for price changes.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Opinions about stocks fairly stable

The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication for further developments 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.

The mood among manufacturers with respect to the volume of their stocks remained fairly stable in July relative to June. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large still outnumbered those defining their stocks as too small. This has been the case for more than three years now.                          

Opinions on stocks of finished products

Opinions on stocks of finished products

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