Business

Variable gas prices in the Netherlands rose by 7 percent this month, pushing rates 12 percent above pre‑war levels. Fixed contracts, however, became cheaper, while dynamic contracts continue to gain popularity.

Dutch semiconductor specialist ASML is expanding its manufacturing capacity for advanced DUV and low NA EUV lithography machines by 30 per cent next year to satisfy a surge in customer orders. The company is shortening assembly lead times, streamlining factory testing protocols, and preparing to break ground on a major new site at Eindhoven's Brainport Industries Campus. While restructuring efforts are underway to cut corporate bureaucracy, rapid business growth is expected to create new opportunities for affected personnel.

Volkswagen has confirmed it may cut an additional 50,000 jobs as part of a major cost‑saving effort, following earlier reductions and ongoing pressure from high operating costs, weak demand, and rising competition.

Dutch SMEs are delaying investments as rising costs and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on businesses, according to a new SRA survey. While turnover increased, profit growth lagged behind, raising concerns about future business investment.

Global oil demand showed signs of recovery in June as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—following a fragile, short-lived peace deal between the US and Iran—helped boost global supply by 4.1 million barrels per day to 98.8 million. The rebound included a record-breaking production high of 4.1 million barrels per day from the United Arab Emirates, though overall Gulf exports remain well below pre-war levels. However, the IEA warns that the market outlook has been clouded once again after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement over this week following renewed hostilities in the region.

Dutch corporate bankruptcies fell by 4 per cent year-on-year in June to 302, representing 12 fewer failures than the same period last year but an increase of 15 from May. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the overall bankruptcy rate per 100,000 companies dropped to 8.1 from 8.6 a year earlier, though the transport and storage sector suffered a severe spike, jumping to 39.2 per 100,000 firms. This latest data follows a broader historical trend that peaked in 2015, hit a record low in 2021, and has been on a slight downward trajectory since late 2024.

The European Commission has concluded that Meta breached EU digital rules under the Digital Services Act, accusing the tech giant of employing "addictive" design features—such as infinite scrolling and personalised recommendations—that deliberately hook children and vulnerable adults. According to regulators, these features induce a user urge that effectively places the brain on "autopilot," while Meta has allegedly failed to act on data showing minors using the apps late at night. The firm now has the opportunity to defend its practices but faces a potential fine of up to 6 per cent of its global annual turnover if it fails to implement satisfactory changes.

Dutch industrial output rose by 4.9 per cent year-on-year in May, matching April's growth rate and marking three consecutive months of expansion for the sector. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), nearly 40 per cent of manufacturing sectors saw an uptick in activity—led primarily by the machinery and food industries—even as the chemical and transport equipment sectors contracted. This stabilizing trend triggered a sharp bounce in manufacturer confidence for June, with the sentiment index climbing to a near four-year high of plus 1.3 as firms grew increasingly optimistic about upcoming business activity.