Economy

Dutch industrial output fell by 0.7% in February compared to the previous year, with nearly three-quarters of all sectors seeing a contraction. While the machinery repair industry suffered a sharp 15% decline, other areas like machinery manufacturing saw growth, leaving overall production levels for 2024 relatively flat. Despite this monthly dip in output, business sentiment has shown signs of recovery, as producer confidence became less negative moving into March.

Private rental prices have surged faster than both house prices and inflation in the first quarter of this year, with new tenants facing a 7.3% annual increase. As supply continues to shrink and more properties disappear from the market than are added, nearly half of all available private rentals now cost over €2,000 per month. Although the number of enquiries per property has dipped to its lowest level since 2021, experts warn that the market remains incredibly tight, as demand is simply being squeezed into a dwindling number of affordable homes.

European gas prices fell sharply after news of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Markets responded to renewed hopes that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, easing pressure on global energy supplies.

The UWV regularly makes errors when manually assessing eligibility for unemployment benefits, according to Minister Hans Vijlbrief. Internal checks show mistakes in more than one in 10 files, with possible financial consequences for recipients. Not every error means benefits were wrongly paid, the minister said.

Gas reserves in the Netherlands are rising again after reaching a ten‑year low. Energy companies have resumed filling storage sites, even though high prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East make the process expensive. Gasunie says supplies remain stable thanks to imports from Norway and LNG shipments.

More hairdressers are moving towards self‑employment, according to new KVK figures. While the number of independent hairdressers continues to rise, the total number of salons has declined. Union representatives say pay, flexibility and work–life balance all influence this shift.

The Dutch mortgage market is no longer driven only by price growth and urgency. It is increasingly shaped by who already owns a home, who can rely on family help, and who can handle higher monthly costs

Fuel prices climbed again on Saturday, with diesel rising slightly after a sharp increase the day before. Euro95 stayed at the same level, although both fuels remain near record highs. Tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt shipping routes and energy sites, pushing prices upward.