Index of stocks in manufacturing (discontinued), Q1 2000

After a lasting reduction in stock value and -volume throughout 1999, the situation now seems to be more stable. From 4th quarter last year to 1st quarter this year the stocks show only minor changes: Finished goods are reduced by 3 per cent, and unfinished goods are up 1 per cent. Even so, the total stock level is now on a significant lower level than 1st quarter last year. The stock of unfinished goods are 35 per cent lower due to a weakening in new orders received, and a low activity in the yard industry have largely contributed to this development. Finished goods are down by 23 per cent during the same period. The value figures show a less negative trend compared to the volume figures, and might be explained by a price improvement in the production industry.