Productivity in Dutch industry declined for the 10th month in a row in April, according to figures from the statistics agency CBS.

Overall productivity was down by 3.5% from April last year, but increased by 0.4% on a month-to-month basis.

Production of electric and electronic devices, chemicals and metals bucked the trend, growing by 5%. But all other sectors were less productive than a year ago.

The decline continues a trend that began last April, following two years of growth as industry recovered from the pandemic slump.

The CBS said the figures were distorted by a 38.2% drop in transport and machinery repairs, where one Dutch company had an exceptionally productive spell a year ago.

It also said the Netherlands continues to be hit by the slump in German industry. Eurostat figures show German productivity also fell by 3.5% year-on-year in April, but grew by 0.3% since March.