Dutch industrial companies generated 8.4 per cent more turnover in the second quarter of 2026 than in the same period a year earlier, according to new quarterly figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). It marks the strongest increase in industrial turnover since the fourth quarter of 2022.
Turnover in the domestic market rose by 6.1 per cent year-on-year, while revenue from foreign customers increased by 9.7 per cent. Across the industry as a whole, sales prices were on average 5 per cent higher than a year earlier.
The refineries and chemical industry sector recorded the largest increase in turnover. Revenue in the sector rose by almost one-third, driven largely by an 83 per cent increase in the petroleum industry. Sales prices in the petroleum industry were 40.5 per cent higher in the second quarter than a year earlier.
Major oil companies had previously reported sharp increases in revenue as oil and fuel prices surged following the war in the Middle East.
Declining sectors
Not all sectors saw growth. The food and beverage industry recorded the largest decline, with turnover falling by nearly 7 per cent compared with a year earlier. Statistics Netherlands said the drop was mainly due to a 5.9 per cent fall in sales prices.
CBS also surveyed entrepreneurs about barriers to turnover growth. Around one-quarter said staff shortages and weak demand remain the biggest obstacles. Just over 10 per cent cited financial constraints or shortages of production resources, materials and space as factors that negatively affect turnover. Slightly more than three in ten entrepreneurs reported experiencing no barriers.
According to CBS, entrepreneurs are generally optimistic about their revenue prospects for the third quarter.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
