Higher re-exports nudge up export figure

The volume of exports of goods was 1.2 percent up in August 2014 from August 2013, after a 4.1 percent improvement in July. According to Statistics Netherlands, the increase was caused by higher re-exports. The volume of imported goods was 3.9 percent up from twelve months previously. This is a smaller increase than the 8 percent in July. Volume figures have been adjusted for the number of working days.

Exports of goods (volume adjusted for working days)

Exports of goods (volume adjusted for working days)

Exports of electrical equipment, optical products and transport equipment higher

Re-exports - i.e. exports of previously imported products - grew, while exports of Dutch products declined.

Exports of electrical equipment, optical products and transport equipment in particular were considerably higher, as a result of both higher exports of Dutch product and higher re-exports. Exports of refined petroleum products, on the other hand, fell considerably.

Statistics Netherlands also reported today that output generated by the sector electrical products and machinery was considerably higher in August than one year previously.

Circumstances for Dutch exports less favourable in October than in September

According to Statistics Netherlands’ Exports Radar, circumstances for Dutch exports were less favourable in October than in September. The German manufacturing industry, in particular, deteriorated. By means of six indicators, the Exports Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch exports have become more or less favourable.

The figures published in this update have been adjusted relative to those published on 10 October 2014. The revision is based on more recent and detailed information.
The monthly volume figures on international trade in goods are adjusted to the new concepts and definitions of the National Accounts.

More figures can be found in Dossier Business Cycle

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