Business

New car registrations in the Netherlands fell by nearly 5 per cent in April, totalling 25,704 units, as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty prompted the business sector to postpone purchases. This decline follows a volatile start to 2026, largely attributed to a surge in late-2025 sales where leasing companies rushed to beat less favourable tax rules for company cars.

The war in the Middle East is pushing Air France‑KLM’s fuel bill up by 2.4 billion dollars this year, with higher ticket prices and a trimmed growth plan the most visible effects for passengers.

Exports slow and Middle East tensions cloud the outlook, but consumption and several key sectors signal underlying resilience.

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.