Dutch Manufacturing Growth at 15-Month High

The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing PMI held at 51.9 in August 2025, unchanged from July and marking a third month of expansion. Stronger output drove the improvement, rising at the fastest pace in 15 months, though new order growth softened as exports nearly stalled. Firms responded by expanding employment at the quickest rate since late 2022, while still reducing backlogs of work. At the same time, purchasing activity was scaled back after July’s rebound, leading to modest falls in inventories, and supplier delivery times lengthened amid shortages. Cost pressures also intensified, with both input and output prices rising at a faster pace. Looking ahead, manufacturers remained broadly optimistic thanks to new projects and capacity plans, but confidence slipped to a four-month low. Economists warned that US tariffs, weaker demand for some ASML suppliers, and rising defense investment will continue to shape conditions for Dutch industry