Dutch Economy Slows Further to 0.1% in Q2

The Dutch economy expanded by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025, confirming preliminary estimates and matching the one-year high growth recorded in Q3. Net trade was the main contributor to growth, as exports of goods and services rose by 1.0% (vs 1.1% in Q3), while imports edged up just 0.1% (vs 0.4%). Fixed investment also rebounded slightly, increasing by 0.1% after a 1.4% contraction in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, government spending growth remained steady at 0.7%, while household consumption growth eased slightly to 0.2% from 0.3%. On an annual basis, the economy grew by 1.8%, confirming initial estimates and picking up from a 1.7% expansion in Q3, supported by contributions from net trade, household consumption, and public spending. For the full year, GDP also expanded by 1.8%, with household consumption, public spending, and net trade driving growth in 2025.

The Dutch economy grew by 0.5% from the previous period in the fourth quarter of 2025, matching the pace seen in the third quarter, driven by exports and higher government spending, preliminary estimates showed. Exports of goods and services increased by 1.3%, helped by stronger sales of petroleum products, machinery and transport equipment, although services exports edged slightly lower. Imports also rose, but at a slower 0.6%, meaning exports contributed positively to overall growth. Government consumption climbed by 1.1%, reflecting higher spending on healthcare and public sector wages. Household spending rose modestly by 0.3%, with consumers spending more on everyday items such as food. In contrast, investment fell slightly by 0.1%, largely due to lower spending on aircraft. By sector, agriculture recorded the strongest growth, while government and healthcare made the largest overall contribution. For the full year 2025, GDP grew by 1.9%.

The Netherlands’ economy expanded by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, revised upward from an initial estimate of 0.4%, and picking up from a 0.3% expansion in Q2. This marked the fastest pace of growth in three quarters, supported by firmer household consumption, which rose by 0.3% compared with 0.1% in Q2, alongside stronger government spending growth of 0.8% from 0.5%. Net trade also made a positive contribution, as exports increased by 1% after a 0.5% rise in Q2, while import growth slowed markedly to 0.4% from 1.9%. By contrast, fixed asset investment declined by 1.4%, compared to a 1.6% growth previously, reflecting weaker investment by businesses and households (-0.8% vs. 0%) as well as a sharp drop in general government investment (-4.3% vs. 9.9%). On an annual basis, GDP growth was revised up to 1.8% from a flash estimate of 1.6% and from 1.7% in the prior period.