Business confidence in the Dutch manufacturing sector declined to 2.3 in October 2026 from 4.2 in September, reaching its lowest level since June. The downturn was driven by weaker expectations for business activity, which fell to 16.8 from 19.4, and a more negative assessment of order books, which slipped to -4.0 from -2.3. Inventory assessments also deteriorated, declining to -6.0 from -4.5.
By sector, sentiment worsened in food and beverages (0.3 vs 1.8), textiles, clothing and leather (-12.4 vs -2.5), paper and graphic products (-2.4 vs 3.2), and refineries and chemicals (-0.5 vs 1.1). Confidence also softened in wood and building materials (2.3 vs 2.9) and in electrical engineering and machinery (8.0 vs 11.3).
In contrast, sentiment strengthened in base metals and metal products (1.2 vs -3.0), transport equipment (3.8 vs 3.0), and other industry and repair (2.0 vs 1.5).
