Dutch Exports Rise by 5.5 Percent in May as Manufacturing Outlook Improves
Dutch exports grew by 5.5 percent in May 2026, building on the 4.6 percent growth recorded in April. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that increased shipments of petroleum products and electrical machinery fueled this rise. Alongside exports, import volumes also trended upward, climbing 5.4 percent compared to May 2025. This surge in imports stemmed primarily from higher demand for petroleum, machinery, and chemical products.
Beyond current trade volumes, the outlook for Dutch exporters shows signs of stabilization. CBS data indicates that export conditions became less unfavorable in July than they were in May, largely due to a smaller contraction in German manufacturing output.
The domestic manufacturing sector also maintained strong momentum. Calendar-adjusted manufacturing output rose by 4.9 percent in May 2026 compared to the same month last year, matching April’s performance. While nearly 40 percent of industrial sectors saw production increases, the machinery sector stood out with the sharpest growth. Conversely, the chemical and transport equipment industries experienced the steepest production declines.
Optimism is spreading among Dutch manufacturers. Producer confidence climbed from -2.0 in May to 1.3 in June—the highest level recorded in nearly four years. This shift reflects a more positive outlook regarding production expectations for the coming three months. Manufacturers within the electronics and machinery sector expressed the highest levels of confidence, signaling a robust phase for the industry as it heads into the second half of the year.