Dutch industrial selling prices were 8.3% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. They rose 1.3% from August. Oil-linked sectors drove the increase, while food and vehicle prices fell. Price movements differed sharply across industrial sectors.
Why this matters
Your margin depends on materials, payroll, freight, waste, finance and delivery costs. A national price figure cannot calculate it. The contract decides whether you can change a price. A fixed price usually stands unless the contract or terms allow an adjustment. An indexation clause should state the index, reference period, adjustment date and frequency. Higher input prices also tie up cash. You pay suppliers and staff before customers settle invoices.
Example
A manufacturer sent a quotation six weeks ago using older resin, fuel and transport prices. Before production starts, a supplier sends a higher invoice. The sales price is fixed, but the order now has less margin. The manufacturer checks the quotation, contract and general terms. Without a valid adjustment clause, it must negotiate, accept less margin or reconsider the order. Materials and payroll still need funding before the customer pays the invoice.
XTROVERSO tips
- Check open quotations. Compare current costs with the assumptions behind your largest open quotations. Mark each quotation that remains valid.
- Separate contract types. List fixed-price work, indexed contracts and orders that can still be renegotiated. Record where the right to adjust is written.
- Use the right cost measure. Do not apply the 8.3% industry average to every product. Check materials, energy, freight and payroll for each product or order.
- Review replacement costs. Check what stock and work in progress will cost to replace. The historic ledger value may understate the next cash requirement.
- Check margin and cash separately. Review expected margin, supplier due dates and customer payment dates. A profitable order can still leave a short-term cash gap.
- Watch customer exposure. Review payment records and credit limits before accepting a larger order or longer commitment. A higher invoice raises the amount at risk.
Need clarity on how rising costs affect your contracts, prices and cash? We can review the figures with you
The data, sourcing, and analysis behind this article were conducted by Paolo Maria Pavan. AI was not used to identify sources, build the factual basis, or produce the analytical judgment contained here. AI was used only as a drafting aid. The final English text was personally reviewed, edited, and approved by Paolo Maria Pavan before publication.
References
- Afzetprijzen industrie ruim 8 procent hoger in september | CBS
- CBS – Industrial confidence, order books and expected activity
- CBS – Real industrial activity and wider economic growth
- CBS – Industrial production recovery
- CBS – Export demand and foreign-market exposure
- CBS – Labour cost pressure in industry
- CBS – Labour availability
- Ondernemersplein – Pricing clauses, indexation and contractual control
