Economy

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.

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.

Private sector rents rose by nearly 5 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter, outpacing both inflation and house prices, according to housing platforms Huurwoningen.nl and Pararius. Driven by a persistent property shortage, new tenants faced higher costs—particularly for flats—with average prices reaching €20.94 per square metre. However, despite the annual increase, rents fell slightly compared to the first quarter of the year, marking the first quarterly decline in over two years as buy-to-let investors increasingly sell off vacant properties due to less profitable legislative changes.

The Netherlands saw fewer stolen cars, vans, and motorcycles in the first half of 2026. Mopeds were the only category to increase, according to new figures from the Vehicle Crime Insurance Bureau Foundation (VbV). This effect has also positively eased the burden on insurance companies. However, there is still a popular target catergory, with criminals adapting rapidly.

he European Parliament will vote this Thursday on establishing the framework for a new digital euro, with a majority expected to defeat a blocking attempt by radical-right factions. Proponents view the digital currency as a geopolitical necessity to reduce Europe's systemic reliance on American payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. Official negotiations between parliament and member states are on track to conclude by the end of the year despite ongoing divisions within conservative parties.

Global food commodity prices dipped by 0.3% in June, marking a second consecutive monthly decline as geopolitical tensions eased following a provisional US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the retreat was led by a 3.5% drop in grain prices and a 5.7% plunge in sugar, offsetting minor increases in meat, rice, and vegetable oils. With shipping lanes restored, market anxieties have shifted from conflict to extreme weather risks like Europe's heatwaves and El Niño; however, global food security prospects remain stable, with the FAO projecting 2026 global grain yields to hit nearly 3 billion tonnes—the second-highest harvest on record.

The Eurozone economy managed to stabilise in June, avoiding a feared contraction to finish the month flat at the 50.0 growth-threshold mark, according to finalised data from S&P Global. Despite initial fears that Middle East conflict-driven price hikes and supply chain disruptions would trigger a slump, a stronger-than-expected rally in the services sector helped lift the economy from May's contraction of 48.5. Supported by steady growth in manufacturing, Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that the data marks a welcome stabilisation for the broader economy after two consecutive months of declining production.

For the first time in three years, the number of mortgage applications in the Netherlands has fallen. De Hypotheker reports a 3 percent drop compared to last year, mainly due to fewer applications for renovations and sustainability upgrades. Applications for home purchases remained stable, with a sharp rise among buyers under 25.