Manufacturing output 2 percent up in July

Strongest production growth in transport equipment industry

Output generated by the transport equipment industry was over 5 percent up in July relative to the same month in 2017. The industries producing machinery, rubber and plastic products, and metal products recorded above-average output growth as well.

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 manufacturing output in July of 0.9 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.

Producer confidence down again

In August 2018, Dutch manufacturers were less confident for the third consecutive month. They were mainly less positive about their order books and the future output than in the previous month. However, the confidence indicator remains well above its long-term average over the past two decades.

Germany is an important foreign market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. In August, confidence of German manufacturers (i.e. the IFO index) increased for the first time in seven months. The index remains significantly above its long-term average.

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