Manufacturing output up in July

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© Hollandse Hoogte
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the average daily output generated by the Dutch manufacturing industry was 3 percent up in July 2017 from July 2016. The growth rate was slightly lower than in June. For almost two years, manufacturing output has continually been above the level of the same month one year previously. The strongest growth was seen in the electrotechnical equipment industry.

Strongest production growth in electrotechnical equipment industry

Output generated by the electrotechnical equipment industry was over 19 percent up in July 2017 from July last year. The industries producing transport equipment, machinery, rubber and plastic products, and metal products recorded above-average output growth as well. However, output generated by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and chemical products was down from June 2016.

Average daily output by sector
 % change
Electrotechnical products19.1
Transport equipment13.1
Machinery12.2
Rubber and plastic products8.8
Metal products5.9
Food products1
Chemical products-2.2
Pharmaceutical products-21.3
Manufacturing (total)3

Altogether, the industries referred to in the above graph account for approximately 70 percent of total manufacturing output.

Manufacturing output shows positive trend

A more accurate picture of short-term output developments is obtained when figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. After adjustments, a decrease is seen in the manufacturing output in July of 0.7 percent on the previous month.

Adjusted for seasonal variation, manufacturing output shows an irregular pattern with many ups and downs, but since mid-2014, the overall trend has been upward.

Manufacturers less confident in August

Confidence among Dutch manufacturers deteriorated in August. Manufacturers are notably less positive about their order books. Although confidence has deteriorated over two consecutive months, the indicator is still well above its long-term average during the past two decades.

Germany is an important foreign market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. Confidence among German manufacturers reached an all-time high in August. The average daily output generated by the German manufacturing industry was 4.5 percent higher in July 2017 than one year previously.

The figures in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted.