Business

CLA wages in the Netherlands rose 4.5% in the first quarter of 2026, CBS reports. Wage growth is slowing, but real wages remain positive for the tenth quarter in a row, with private‑sector employees seeing the strongest increases.

Former ASML CEO Peter Wennink and KPN CEO Joost Farwerck warn that the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure is falling behind. They argue that rapid technological developments demand new investment, European collaboration, and government procurement that values digital sovereignty.

ING says the Dutch economy is now less exposed to high energy prices than in 2022. Energy‑intensive industries have shrunk, while sectors like machinery and chip manufacturing have grown, making the overall economy more resilient to a new energy shock.

PostNL will shift from next‑day to two‑day delivery for standard mailbox mail beginning July 12, a move the company says is essential to keep the postal system reliable and financially sustainable as letter volumes continue to decline. The Dutch cabinet approved the change last year.

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.