Turnover in the Dutch manufacturing industry was 6 percent lower in May this year than in the same month last year. In the first four months of this year turnover was 4 percent lower than twelve months previously.
In May, according to Statistics Netherlands’ figures, domestic turnover was 6 percent down, foreign turnover was 5 percent lower, although it should be taken into account in this respect that May last year was one of the top months for manufacturing turnover. Moreover, this year May had one working day fewer than last year.
Provisional calculations put the negative effect of this at nearly
1.5 percent in 2002. According to Statistics Netherlands’ business sentiment survey manufacturing companies expect production to remain stable in the period June to August 2002.
Turnover down in nearly all sectors
Nearly all sectors in the manufacturing industry realised a lower turnover in May than twelve months previously. In terms of value the fall in turnover was largest for the sector metal, electrical engineering and transport equipment. This sector accounted for more than half of the total fall in manufacturing turnover. The petrochemical industry, too, had a lower turnover, contributing nearly a quarter to the total decrease. Only the food industry managed to increase its turnover.
(source: Statistics Netherlands)
