Netherlands: Manufacturing PMI shows signs of improvement in February
The Nevi Netherlands Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 49.3 in February from 48.9 in January. As a result, the index remained below the 50.0 no-change threshold, but signaled a softer deterioration in manufacturing sector operating conditions compared to the previous month.
February’s reading marked the softest rate of decline in 13 months thanks to an only slight decrease in output and new orders. In addition, there was a positive shift in employment, with companies raising staff numbers, which contributed to a quicker reduction in backlogs. Additionally, external demand rose slightly and for the first time in 19 months.
Regarding prices and business sentiment, cost pressures moderated, with input prices falling solidly, albeit at the weakest rate in nearly a year. In response, manufacturers slightly increased their average selling prices. There was a notable improvement in business optimism which reached a one-year high, buoyed by positive growth forecasts, plans for product line expansions, and hopes for an improvement in global economic conditions.