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Dutch economy is growing increasingly slowly
In the second quarter of this year, the economy grew by a minimal 0,1% compared to the first quarter, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of declining economic growth.
The continued economic growth is due to investments (+1,5%) and government consumption (+0,8%). The government and businesses invested primarily in transportation, such as ships and aircraft. Household consumption fell by 0,4%. Spending on hospitality, clothing, and recreation declined in particular.
Compared to the second quarter of 2024, the economy grew by 1,5% last quarter, with government consumption up 2,8%, household consumption up 1,0%, and investment up 2,5%.
Imports are rising faster than exports
Exports of goods and services increased by 0,9% in the second quarter compared to the first. However, imports rose more sharply, by 2,6%, resulting in a smaller trade surplus, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Compared to the second quarter of 2024, exports rose by 2,2%. Imports also rose more sharply in this comparison, by 3,7%, resulting in a negative contribution to growth from the trade balance.
Most sectors saw an increase in added value (the difference between production and consumption of energy, materials, and services). In agriculture, forestry, and fishing, added value grew by 0,1%. In the first quarter, the sector's added value had fallen by 3,3%.
The labor market remains tense
The labor market remains tight. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the number of vacancies decreased by 7.000 in the second quarter, while the number of unemployed decreased by 4.000. For every 100 unemployed, there were 101 vacancies. More than half of these vacancies are in business services, healthcare, and trade. In agriculture and fisheries, the number of vacancies remained unchanged at 3.400 compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Higher food sales prices
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) also announced growth figures for Dutch manufacturing output prices today. On average, Dutch manufacturing output prices were 2025% lower in June 0,2 than in June 2024. Statistics Netherlands attributes this to the more than 21% drop in oil prices. Food industry output prices, on the other hand, rose by 3,6% year-on-year in June.
Linda van Eekeres
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