This paper uses the methodology suggested by Conrad and Unger (1987) based on the relationships in a cost model to implement a set of statistics in order to test if an economy is able to adjust the amount of inputs and output to their optimal levels in each time period. This methodological approach is applied to Spanish manufactures in the period 1980-1993. The results obtained point to short-run disequilibrium in manufactures’ behavior, although it has been decreasing through the period under consideration.

Key words: duality theory, short- and long-run, manufacturing industries.
JEL classification: D24, L11, L60.