Manufacturing output in decline

The average daily output of the Dutch manufacturing industry in June 2012 was down by more than 2 percent on June 2011. Production levels in May were virtually the same as in May 2011.

Output generated in the sectors transport equipment, food, drinks and tobacco and basic metal products declined most notably. The sectors petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products and electrical equipments and machinery, on the other hand, realised output growth relative to June 2011.

Average daily output in manufacturing industry (volume)

Average daily output in manufacturing industry (volume)

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures adjusted for seasonal variation often show a somewhat erratic pattern. Therefore, the two-month average compared to the previous two-month average is a more accurate indicator. After correction for seasonal variation and the number of working days, manufacturing output in the period May-June was down by almost 2 percent on the period March-April.

In June 2012, the output level of manufacturing industry was slightly below the level reached just before the economic downturn in 2008.

Seasonally adjusted average daily output in manufacturing industry

Seasonally adjusted average daily output in manufacturing industry

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.