Confidence improving among manufacturers

Producer confidence in April was below the 20-year average of -1.3. It reached an all-time high (10.4) in October 2021 and an all-time low (-31.5) in April 2020.

More positive about expected output

Manufacturers were more positive about expected output for the next three months. They were also less negative about their order positions and current stocks of finished products.

One component indicator was positive: manufacturers who anticipated an increase in output over the next three months outnumbered those expecting a decrease.

Two component indicators were negative. More manufacturers see their order position as weak rather than strong for the time of year, and more manufacturers describe their current stock of finished products as large rather than small.

Producer confidence most positive in the paper and printing industry

Confidence improved in almost all manufacturing sectors. Producer confidence in the paper and printing industry was the highest, and it was lowest in the timber and building materials industry.

Capacity utilisation rate increases

The industrial capacity utilisation rate increased for the first time in two years. It stood at 79.6 percent at the start of Q2 2024, compared with 78.4 percent in the previous quarter.

Manufacturing output down by over 2 percent in February

In February, the calendar adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing industry was 2.3 percent lower than in February 2023. Year-on-year output also contracted in the previous seven months. After adjustments for seasonal and calendar effects, manufacturing output rose by 1.4 percent in February relative to January.