Manufacturing output in March almost 2 percent lower year on year

In March 2026, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was 1.7 percent higher than it was in March 2025, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Output was up in half of industrial sectors. Manufacturing output rose by 2.8 percent in March relative to February.

Growth in half of industrial sectors

Half of the various industrial sectors produced more than they did last year. Of the eight largest industrial sectors, output rose by the most in the machinery industry, while it fell by the most in the electronics and electrical industry.

Adjusted output up on February

A more accurate picture of changes in short-term output is obtained when the figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. After adjustment, manufacturing output rose by 2.8 percent in March relative to February.

After adjusting for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output often fluctuates significantly. In the spring of 2020, output declined rapidly, reaching a low point in May 2020. This was followed by an upward trend until May 2022, after which the trend reversed. Since 2024, output levels have remained broadly unchanged.

Producer confidence equally unfavourable in April

Producer confidence was equally unfavourable in April as in the previous month. Producer confidence remained at -0.7 in April. Manufacturers were less positive about their output over the next three months, but less negative about their current stocks of finished products.

Producer confidence in April was above the 20-year average of -1.3. Confidence reached an all-time high (10.5) in October 2021 and an all-time low (-31.5) in April 2020.

Confidence among manufacturers in the petroleum and chemical industry saw the sharpest rise. Manufacturers in the electronics and machinery industry were the most positive (2.7), while manufacturers in the textile, clothing and leather industry were the most negative (-7.9).