Dutch Factory Growth Slows to 5-Month Low

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI fell slightly to 53.8 in August 2026 from 54.4 in July, marking its lowest level since March. Growth in both output and new orders moderated during the month, although both remained elevated by historical standards. A strong rise in export sales, the most marked in more than four years, helped cushion the slowdown in total order-book growth. Employment declined for the first time in four months, largely reflecting voluntary staff departures that were not replaced, while outstanding workloads increased for a fourth month. Purchasing activity growth slowed to its weakest pace since March, while input lead times lengthened again, amid ongoing disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, both input and charge inflation eased to their lowest levels since February. Lastly, manufacturers remained optimistic about future growth, but the level of confidence weakened from July’s seven-month high and slipped below its long-run average.





