Larger stocks in manufacturing
According to Statistics Netherlands, manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were 3.7 percent up in June 2014 from June 2013. Stocks in manufacturing industry have been larger than twelve months previously for three consecutive months now. In April and May, stocks of finished products grew by 0.8 and 1.9 percent respectively. Stock figures have been adjusted for price changes.
Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)
More pleased with stocks in August
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 improved in August relative to July. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large still outnumber those defining their stocks as too small, but the gap is narrowing. Manufacturers have defined their stocks as too large for about three years now.
Opinions on stocks of finished products
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.