Business confidence in the Netherlands’ manufacturing sector rose to 0.8 in January 2026, turning positive for the first time since March 2023, from -1.1 in December. Expectations for business activity strengthened, with expected production rising to 12.7 from 9.6. Sentiment toward order books also improved, as assessments became less negative at -5.4 compared with -6.0 previously, while pessimism over finished goods inventories eased further to -4.8 from -6.9. At the sector level, producers in other industries and repair were the most positive in January, followed by electrical engineering and machinery and transportation equipment, where confidence either improved sharply or remained resilient. Sentiment also strengthened in basic metals and metal products, supported by a firmer activity outlook and improved order positions. By contrast, confidence remained weakest in the textile, clothing and leather sector.
