Economy

The Netherlands saw a slight dip in unemployment in March, signalling a cautiously improving labour market. While the number of people without work remains elevated compared to recent years, new figures show a gradual rise in employment and fewer benefit claims across most regions.

ASML has lifted its revenue forecast for 2026, citing strong demand driven by investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The chip machine maker says customers are expanding capacity, even as possible new export restrictions remain under discussion.

The Netherlands and Colombia are convening a landmark summit in Santa Marta to establish a concrete strategy for moving away from fossil fuels. As global energy prices remain volatile, ministers and environmental groups are debating whether the talks will lead to genuine policy shifts or remain limited to diplomatic gestures.

The cabinet is weighing a temporary cut to road tax as fuel prices remain high. Ministers want measures that target those most affected, but several proposals face financial or practical barriers. A final decision will follow later.

As energy prices rise again, IMF board member Marrixt van Rij says the Dutch cabinet is right not to rush into broad support measures. He argues that any intervention should be temporary and aimed at households that are genuinely in trouble, drawing on lessons from the 2022 energy crisis.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly declining extra shifts as high fuel prices make commuting financially unviable. The professional body NU'91 has warned that current travel reimbursements are failing to cover costs, effectively forcing staff to pay to work. To combat rising stress and frustration among workers, the organisation is calling for mileage rates to be aligned with petrol prices and for smarter scheduling to reduce unnecessary travel.

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.