The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.0 in March 2026 from 50.8 in February, its highest level in six months. This improvement was driven by a renewed rise in order books, underpinned by stronger export sales, although overall demand remained relatively subdued.
Output growth accelerated to its fastest pace since November 2025, with expansions recorded across all three monitored sub-sectors. The investment goods segment led the upturn, reflecting efforts to fulfil increased orders and build precautionary inventories in response to supply disruptions related to the Middle East and lengthening delivery times.
Supply-side pressures intensified, particularly for inputs sourced from Asia, pushing input costs to their highest level in more than three years. Output prices were also raised sharply, reaching a similar multi-year high.
Employment edged down for the first time in four months, as firms chose not to replace departing staff or renew temporary contracts. Business confidence eased to below its historical average, yet manufacturers remained cautiously optimistic about future new orders.
