February saw a slight improvement in business conditions within Dutch manufacturing, marking another month of growth. Output increased at a stronger pace, and the latest decline in new orders was modest.
The first edition of Deal! in 2026 has been published. This issue explores how procurement professionals are dealing with structural scarcity, geopolitical dependencies, new ethical considerations and increasing pressure on people and organisations. From grid congestion and China to AI, public procurement and mental resilience: Deal! 1 shows how the profession continues to mature.
Business conditions in the Dutch manufacturing sector were broadly stable at the beginning of the year. Despite signs of weak demand — largely attributed to lower domestic sales both output and employment recorded slight increases.
The Dutch manufacturing sector ended the year on a slightly weaker note, as slower growth in new orders — partly driven by lower international sales — led to a decline in production volumes. Despite this drop in output, employment continued to rise and business confidence in the outlook for the coming year improved.
Dutch producers reported a steady improvement in business conditions halfway through the final quarter of the year. Continued growth in output and new orders offset further declines in stocks of materials and employment, while conditions in the supply chain deteriorated.
A new edition of the Nevi Procurement Executive Program (PEP) has commenced. Executives from a wide range of organisations will, through this intensive programme, develop their strategic vision, leadership and impact on the procurement function.
This week, Nevi is hosting a Ukrainian delegation from the Ministry of Health for an intensive training programme on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). The training aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to rebuild the Ukrainian healthcare sector in line with European standards.
In October, business conditions in the Dutch manufacturing sector improved for the fifth consecutive month, although the pace of improvement slowed due to weaker growth in both output and new orders. Employment fell for the first time in five months, while business confidence remained modest by historical standards.