Manufacturing output in April almost 5 percent higher, year on year

In April 2026, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was 4.7 percent higher than it was in April 2025, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Output was up in 60 percent of industrial sectors. Manufacturing output rose by 1.4 percent relative to March.

Growth in over half of industrial sectors

Around 60 percent of the various industrial sectors produced more than they did last year. Of the eight largest industrial sectors, output rose most sharply in the machinery industry, while it fell by the most in the chemical industry.

Adjusted output up on March

A more accurate picture of short-term changes in output is obtained when the figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. After adjustment, manufacturing output rose by 1.4 percent in April relative to March.

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. Manufacturing output has risen over the past few months, but it is still too early to assess whether this trend will continue.

Producer confidence deteriorates in May

Producer confidence was more unfavourable in May than in April. Producer confidence fell from -0.7 in April to -2.0 in May. Manufacturers were mainly less positive about their output over the next three months.

Producer confidence in May was below 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.

In most sectors, producer confidence declined. Confidence among manufacturers in the electronics and machinery industry saw the sharpest decline (-3.6), while manufacturers in the textile, clothing and leather industry saw the sharpest increase (+5.0). Manufacturers in ‘other industries’ (such as repair and installation of machinery and furniture) were the most positive (2.7), while manufacturers in the metal industry were the most negative (-4.1).