2026.04.3005:25:16UTC+00Dutch Business Mood Steady in April

Business confidence in the Dutch manufacturing sector was -0.7 in April 2026, unchanged from March. Assessments of order positions edged up slightly, to -7.1 from -7.2, while sentiment regarding stock levels improved to -3.3 from -4.9 in the previous month. By contrast, expectations for future activity eased, with the indicator for expected production falling to 8.4 from 10.1, signaling weaker optimism about near-term output.

At the sector level, confidence strengthened in food and beverages (-1.9 vs -4.5), textiles, clothing, and leather (-7.9 vs -11.1), paper and graphic products (-4.9 vs -7.6), and in refineries and chemicals (-1.6 vs -5.2). However, these gains were largely offset by a turn to pessimism in base metals and metal products (-0.8 vs 1.7) and in other industry and repair (-1.4 vs 1.3). Sentiment also softened in transport equipment (1.5 vs 2.7) and in electrical engineering and machinery (2.7 vs 4.6).