Dutch Factory Sector Climbs to 4-Month High

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI climbed to 55.6 in September 2026, picking up from a five-month low of 53.8 in the previous month. It marked the highest reading since May, driven by the fastest growth in new orders since that month amid firmer market demand conditions. In response, manufacturers accelerated production, with output expanding at its fastest pace since January 2022. On the pricing front, input cost inflation accelerated from the previous month and remained elevated by historical standards, while output charges continued to rise at a quicker pace, suggesting firms retained some pricing power amid stronger demand conditions. Looking ahead, business confidence improved to its joint-highest level since February 2025. Manufacturers cited the launch of new projects and expectations of stronger semiconductor-related orders as key factors underpinning their optimism for the year ahead.

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.