Manufacturing output down for the first time in 3 years

Strongest output contraction in electric and electronics industry

Output generated by the electric and electronics industry declined by almost 14 percent in December relative to the same month in 2017. In addition, production levels in the transport equipment, machinery, pharmaceutical and chemical industries saw a greater decline than the average seen across the entire manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing output declining

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 decline is seen in manufacturing output between November and December 2018 of 3.9 percent. In December, manufacturing output was at its lowest level after September 2017.

Adjusted for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output is seen to fluctuate significantly.

Dutch manufacturers less positive

In January 2019, confidence among Dutch manufacturers declined. They were mainly less positive about their future output. However, the confidence indicator remained well above the long-term average.

Germany is an important sales market for the Dutch manufacturing industry. According to the IFO index, confidence fell to its lowest level since September 2016. Manufacturers were mainly more pessimistic about the expected economic activity. In December, the average daily output generated by the German manufacturing industry was 4 percent down year-on-year.

With effect from the reporting month of October 2018, manufacturing output figures are published using 2015 as the base year (previously 2010=100). Adjustments have also been made to the method used. The results published in this news release may therefore differ from the results as published based on 2010 (2010=100).