The Dutch economy grew by 0.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter. This was reported in a revised estimate by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This is slightly higher than the initial figure of 0.1 percent published on 30 April.
CBS said the upward revision is mainly due to a smaller decline in exports and a stronger increase in household consumption. As a result, the overall economic picture has improved slightly. Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) during the quarter was driven by government spending, household consumption, and investment.
As part of its regular updates, CBS also revised figures for earlier quarters. Growth in the first quarter of 2025 was revised down from 0.4 per cent to 0.2 per cent. The second quarter of 2025 was revised upward from 0.3 per cent to 0.4 per cent. Growth in the third quarter of 2025 was lowered from 0.5 to 0.4 per cent, while the fourth quarter remained unchanged at 0.4 per cent.
Trade balance
Based on the updated data, economic growth for the whole of 2025 has been revised down from 1.8 to 1.6 per cent. Growth in 2024 has been definitively set at 1.1 per cent.
Compared with a year earlier, the Dutch economy grew by 1.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. This is higher than the earlier estimate of 1.2 per cent. CBS said this upward revision is mainly due to an improved trade balance, which reflects the difference between exports and imports.
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