Business

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has met with ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet to discuss the future of the Dutch semiconductor industry. The talks focused on maintaining a world-class business climate and the strategic importance of the Eindhoven region.

Odido has overtaken its main competitors in mobile data usage following the launch of a new home internet service. Total data consumption in the Netherlands has nearly doubled since 2022, even as traditional calling and texting lose popularity. While the provider currently leads the market, future reports will reveal if a recent data breach has affected its customer numbers.

The Dutch chemical sector is facing growing pressure due to high energy costs and limited government action, according to Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten. Industry groups warn of declining competitiveness and increasing reliance on cheaper imports from abroad.

Royal FloraHolland remains on track for a profitable year, reporting that conflict in the Middle East has had little impact on its flower imports from Africa. Despite global "turbulence," the world’s largest floral marketplace saw profits climb to €12 million last year, as higher plant prices and lower wage costs successfully offset a dip in sales volumes. While interim CEO David van Mechelen warns of a challenging year ahead, the company is shielding itself from market volatility through fixed energy contracts and new sustainability projects at its Aalsmeer site.

The online furniture retailer Fonq has officially been declared bankrupt after failing to secure the investment needed to achieve long-term profitability. While administrators are currently exploring a potential rescue deal for the company and its sister brand, Naduvi, approximately 100 employees now face redundancy. Although both websites remain online for the time being, the checkout functions have been disabled, leaving the future of the business and its outstanding customer orders hanging in the balance.

The European Parliament has approved part of the EU‑US trade deal but added safeguards to ensure the United States honors its commitments. MEPs fear new US import tariffs and have introduced a “safety net” that allows EU concessions to be reversed if the US fails to comply.

Six vocational colleges in the southern Netherlands are offering 500 euro vouchers to help new engineering and technology students buy necessary laptops. The initiative is part of a wider national plan to train thousands of new professionals for the growing microchip industry. This financial support aims to remove barriers for students entering a sector with a high demand for skilled workers.

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands have increased due to the Iran conflict. First‑time buyers, as well as buyers in major cities and the new‑build market, are particularly likely to feel the impact, according to ING Research.