Economy

The Trump administration is weighing a new wave of semiconductor import tariffs, potentially extending duties to a broad range of tech products. The American tech sector warns the move could undermine the country’s AI ambitions and strain an already fragile supply chain.

The Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) warns that Europe must overhaul its trade and innovation policies as major powers increasingly use economic leverage as geopolitical pressure. Without decisive action, the EU risks losing industrial capacity, deepening dependency, and compromising values such as privacy and environmental protection.

Philips has received 34 million dollars from the US government to develop AI-powered robotics for remote stroke surgeries. The technology will allow specialist surgeons to operate on patients from distant control cockpits. Although clinical deployment remains years away, Philips plans to launch the system in the United States before expanding into Europe.

Dutch house prices rose by nearly 4 per cent year-on-year in July to reach an average of €500,988, maintaining a steady pace of growth whilst market activity saw a 5 per cent boost with over 22,000 sales completed. Despite the annual rise, overall house price inflation has continued to level off since late 2024, largely driven by stricter rental regulations that have prompted private landlords to sell off former buy-to-let properties. This influx of more affordable housing stock onto the open market has expanded supply and helped ease the upward pressure on average property prices.

Dutch business investment bounced back by 2.7 per cent year-on-year in June following consecutive declines in April and May, driven by increased spending on commercial property and road transport fleets like lorries and buses. Although outlay on machinery, aircraft, and shipping dropped during the same period, data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) indicates that broader investment conditions continued to improve into August, bolstered by stronger stock market performance and an easing of negative consumer sentiment.

The AEX index in Amsterdam edged 0.4 per cent higher on Friday morning, recovering slightly despite broader market anxiety surrounding rising US government bond yields and high national debt. European indices posted modest gains, spearheaded by semiconductor giants ASMI, Besi, and ASML, which rose up to 2.4 per cent. However, investor sentiment remained cautious following Thursday's sharp drop on Wall Street and mixed overnight trading across Asian markets, where rising energy costs stoked Japanese inflation. Meanwhile, corporate moves dominated the headlines, highlighted by EV charging firm Alfen tumbling over 3 per cent after a broker downgrade, and Italy’s Banca Monte dei Paschi seeking strategic acquisitions to block a potential takeover by rival Intesa.

Dutch industry reported its strongest turnover growth in more than three years during the second quarter of 2026. Growth was driven by strong performance in the petroleum sector, while some industries, including food and beverages, saw turnover decline.

The cabinet has begun talks with opposition parties to secure support for next year’s budget, but major disagreements remain. PRO leader Jesse Klaver says there has been no progress on his demand to drop social security cuts, while the coalition races to meet a key budget deadline.