Business confidence in the Dutch manufacturing sector rose to 2.4 in July 2026, its highest level in four years, up from 1.3 in June. The improvement in sentiment was driven primarily by better assessments of order books, which increased to -3.8 from -7.0, and a more favorable view of inventories, which strengthened to -2.4 from -3.5.
Expectations for future business activity eased slightly, with the corresponding indicator slipping to 13.5 from 14.5. Despite this moderation, firms still anticipated a positive near-term production outlook.
Confidence improved broadly across subsectors. Notable gains were recorded in wood and building materials (-3.4 vs. -6.5) and in base metals and metal products (-3.0 vs. -3.3). Sentiment turned positive in paper and graphic products (1.4 vs. -6.5) and strengthened further in electrical engineering and machinery (15.6 vs. 9.7).
