Confidence among manufacturers is slightly improving in September

Producer confidence in September 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 their expected output for the next three months. However, their assessment of the order positions was more negative. Manufacturers’ assessment of current stocks of finished products remained the same.

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. Manufacturers were more likely to indicate that their order position was weak rather than strong for the time of year, and more manufacturers described their current stock of finished products as large rather than small.

Producer confidence most positive in the electrotechnical and machinery sector

Confidence improved in half of the main industrial sectors. Confidence increased the most among manufacturers in the electrotechnical and machinery sector. They were also the most positive of all sectors.

Manufacturing output down by over 4 percent in July

In July 2024, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was 4.4 percent lower than it was in July 2023. Year-on-year output also contracted in the preceding twelve months. After adjustments for seasonal and calendar effects, manufacturing output fell by 1.1 percent relative to June.