Dutch Factory Growth Slows to 5-Month Low

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI fell slightly to 53.8 in August 2026 from 54.4 in July, marking its lowest level since March. Growth in both output and new orders moderated during the month, although both remained elevated by historical standards. A strong rise in export sales, the most marked in more than four years, helped cushion the slowdown in total order-book growth. Employment declined for the first time in four months, largely reflecting voluntary staff departures that were not replaced, while outstanding workloads increased for a fourth month. Purchasing activity growth slowed to its weakest pace since March, while input lead times lengthened again, amid ongoing disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, both input and charge inflation eased to their lowest levels since February. Lastly, manufacturers remained optimistic about future growth, but the level of confidence weakened from July’s seven-month high and slipped below its long-run average.

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI eased to 54.4 in July 2026 from 55.5 in the previous month, marking the lowest reading since April, but still signalled a strong improvement in operating conditions. The index remained above 50 for the 14th straight month and was among the highest readings in four years. Output growth was the main driver, reaching its fastest pace since February 2022, supported by sustained new order growth and stronger demand. However, total and export order growth softened. Manufacturers increased input purchasing to support production, while stocks of purchases fell as firms used existing inventories. Supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict persisted, pushing up delivery times and input costs, though inflation eased to four-month lows. Employment continued to rise, backlogs increased for the third time in four months, and confidence recovered above its historical average as firms expected stronger demand and improved economic conditions.

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI edged down to 55.5 in June 2026 from 55.9 in May, remaining the second-highest reading in four years and signaling another strong improvement in factory activity. Growth was driven by robust new orders as firms cited new projects, stronger customer demand, and stockpiling ahead of expected price increases amid supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Output continued to expand on domestic and export demand, while employment rose for a second straight month at the fastest pace in nine months. Backlogs of work increased at the strongest rate in four years despite efforts to expand capacity. Firms also boosted purchasing and inventories against supply shortages, although delivery delays remained severe. On the price front, input cost inflation eased to its lowest since March but remained elevated due to higher energy, raw material, and transport costs, while output price inflation hit its strongest since October 2022.