Manufacturing output in August 12 percent higher, year on year

In August 2026, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was 12.0 percent higher than it was in August 2025, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). That is the largest increase in over four years. In July, the increase was 9.3 percent. Output grew in August in over six out of ten of the underlying sectors. Manufacturing output rose by 3.3 percent in August relative to July.

Growth in over six out of ten manufacturing sectors

Production was up in over six out of ten of the various industrial sectors, relative to last year. Of the eight largest industrial sectors, the machinery sector recorded the largest increase in output once again, while the chemical industry recorded the largest decline.

Adjusted output up on July

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 these adjustments, manufacturing output rose by 3.3 percent in August relative to July.

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. The trend has been rising again since the beginning of 2026. Manufacturing output reached an all-time high in August of this year.

Producer confidence improves further in September

Producer confidence was more favourable in September than in August. Producer confidence rose from 3.7 in August to 4.2 in September. Manufacturers were mainly more positive about their output over the next three months.

Producer confidence in August was above the 20-year average of -1.4. Confidence reached an all-time high (10.5) in October 2021 and an all-time low (-31.5) in April 2020.

Of all the underlying manufacturing sectors, confidence among manufacturers declined only in the electronics and machinery industry. Nevertheless, they remained the most positive (11.3) of all sectors.