Dutch Manufacturing Output Surges 4.7% in April but Future Confidence Drops
Dutch Manufacturing Output Jumps Nearly 5 Percent in April
The Dutch manufacturing sector grew significantly in April 2026, with calendar-adjusted output rising 4.7 percent compared to the same month last year. Data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals that production increased in approximately 60 percent of all industrial sectors.
Among the eight largest industries, the machinery sector recorded the sharpest growth in production, while the chemical industry suffered the largest decline.
Short-term figures also show positive momentum. After adjusting for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output grew by 1.4 percent in April compared to March. While production has steadily risen over the last few months, experts note it is still too early to determine if this upward trend will last long-term.
Producer Confidence Drops in May
Despite the strong production numbers in April, manufacturer morale shifted the following month. Producer confidence fell from -0.7 in April to -2.0 in May, dropping below the 20-year average of -1.3.
The decline stems largely from manufacturers turning less optimistic about their expected output for the next three months. Confidence dropped across most sectors, with electronics and machinery manufacturers experiencing the sharpest decline. Conversely, the textile, clothing, and leather industry reported the strongest boost in confidence.
Overall, metal industry manufacturers remained the most pessimistic about the near future, while those in repair, installation, and furniture sectors expressed the highest optimism.