Manufacturing output in the Netherlands rose by 3.3% month-on-month in August 2026, quickening from an upwardly revised 2.1% increase in July. This was the strongest monthly gain since December 2023.
The overall improvement was driven by a sharp rebound in several industries, including textiles (7.5% vs. -3.4% in July), wood (3.1% vs. -6.9%), graphics (1.0% vs. -1.8%), and automotive and trailers (26.2% vs. -5.3%). Growth also strengthened in food (2.1% vs. 1.0%) and building materials (1.3% vs. 0.2%).
By contrast, output declined markedly in pharmaceuticals (-18.8% vs. 2.4%), basic metals (-3.9% vs. -3.4%), paper (-5.2% vs. 6.8%), and chemicals (-2.9% vs. 1.9%).
On an annual basis, manufacturing output surged by 12%, the fastest increase in four years, following a 9.3% rise in August. More than 60% of manufacturing business classes reported higher production during the month. Among the eight largest sectors, machinery registered the strongest growth, while chemicals recorded the steepest contraction.
