Dutch industrial output hits record high, up 12.0 percent on a year earlier
Calendar-adjusted production of Dutch industry in August was 12.0 percent higher than a year earlier, the biggest increase in more than four years, CBS says.
Dutch industry reached its highest production level ever in August, the national statistics office CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek) reported. Calendar-adjusted output was 12.0 percent above August 2025, the biggest increase in more than four years. In July the year-on-year rise was 9.3 percent.
More than 60 percent of the industry's business classes produced more in August than a year earlier. Among the eight largest branches, the machine industry again recorded the largest increase, while chemicals recorded the largest decline. These eight branches account for almost 80 percent of industrial production.
Machines grew most in August, chemicals fell most
Percent change on a year earlier, August 2026
Machines grew most in August, chemicals fell most (percent change on a year earlier, August 2026). Highest: Machines, 45.1; lowest: Chemicals, -4.1; 8 items. Source: CBS StatLine.
| Item | percent change on a year earlier, August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Machines | 45.1 |
| Transport equipment | 8.3 |
| Repair and installation of machines | 4.7 |
| Metal products | 1.9 |
| Electrical and electronic equipment | 1.1 |
| Food | 0.9 |
| Rubber and plastics | -3.0 |
| Chemicals | -4.1 |
Compared with July, output rose 3.3 percent in August, after adjustment for season and calendar effects. The trend has been rising again since the start of 2026.
Annual growth in industrial output rose from 1.0 percent in January to 12.0 percent in August
Percent change on a year earlier · Jan 2026–Aug 2026
Annual growth in industrial output rose from 1.0 percent in January to 12.0 percent in August (percent change on a year earlier). From 1 in Jan 2026 to 12 in Aug 2026; highest 12 in Aug 2026, lowest -1 in Feb 2026. Source: CBS StatLine.
| Item | percent change on a year earlier |
|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1.0 |
| Feb 2026 | -1.0 |
| Mar 2026 | 1.9 |
| Apr 2026 | 5.7 |
| May 2026 | 7.0 |
| Jun 2026 | 5.0 |
| Jul 2026 | 9.3 |
| Aug 2026 | 12.0 |
Producers more confident
Producer confidence in industry rose from 3.7 in August to 4.2 in September, mainly because producers were more positive about expected business activity over the next three months. The September figure is above the 20-year average of -1.4. The record high is 10.5, from October 2021.
Only confidence in the electrotechnical and machine industry fell. That branch was still the most positive of all, at 11.3.
CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek)
Statistics Netherlands, the independent government body that produces the official statistics on the Dutch economy and society.