2026.03.3009:18:20UTC+00Dutch Business Confidence Improves in March

Business confidence in the Dutch manufacturing sector improved slightly in March 2026, rising to -0.7 from -1.1 in February, indicating a somewhat less negative overall sentiment. Expectations for future activity strengthened notably, with the expected activity index increasing to 10.1 from 7.0, signaling growing optimism about near-term production.

However, assessments of current conditions weakened. Evaluations of order positions declined to -7.2 from -6.5, and views on stocks of finished products deteriorated to -4.9 from -3.9 in the previous month.

At the sectoral level, the outlook improved in refineries and chemicals (to -5.2 from -5.5). The base metal and metal products industry shifted into positive territory, rising to 1.7 from -5.5, as did transport equipment, which increased to 2.7 from -1.3.

By contrast, sentiment deteriorated sharply in the textile, clothing, and leather industry, dropping to -11.1 from 7.0. Confidence also weakened in food and beverages (to -4.5 from 3.5) and in the paper and graphic industry (to -7.6 from -4.2). Outlooks became slightly less positive in electrical engineering and machinery (4.6 vs 5.9) and in other industry and repair (1.3 vs 1.6).