Business

Global crop prices have surged to their highest level since 2023, driven by the Iran war, supply disruptions, and extreme weather, raising concerns over rising food costs worldwide.

NXP reports higher revenue and profit in Q1, with strong growth in its industrial division and a positive outlook for the coming quarter.

The Amsterdam AEX index closed 0.6% higher on Friday, reaching 1,020.60 points as investors rallied behind the tech and chip sectors. Key performers included Besi, which climbed 4.3% following strong quarterly results, and Adyen, which rose 4.8% after announcing a €750 million acquisition of German firm Talon.One. While broader European markets struggled and the MidKap index dipped, significant gains from chip giants ASML and ASMI helped the Dutch blue-chip index bounce back from earlier losses.

The European Union has signed a strategic roadmap to bolster its global competitiveness by simplifying internal market rules and reducing red tape. The agreement sets a clear timeline through 2027 for the European Commission to propose new laws, such as the "EU Inc." initiative to ease cross-border business and measures to lower energy prices. By committing to fast-track these proposals, member states and the European Parliament aim to create a more efficient trading environment that fosters economic growth across the 27 nations.

The European Union and the United States are set to sign a preliminary agreement this Friday to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing products like smartphones and electric car batteries. Aimed at reducing a heavy global reliance on Chinese supplies, the deal between European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to include incentives like minimum price guarantees. By supporting non-Chinese suppliers, the partnership seeks to secure more resilient supply chains for these vital raw materials.

ING expects the eurozone’s trade surplus to fall sharply this year because of the Middle East war and rising competition from China, with the bloc at risk of a sizeable trade deficit in 2026.

Sales of fully electric cars in the EU surged almost 50 percent in March, with strong growth in plug‑in and hybrid models, while the Netherlands recorded a slight decline in fully electric sales.

ASML is joining forces with major European tech companies to push for stronger EU semiconductor policies, warning that Europe’s limited share of its sales is a “huge red flag.”