Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

Dutch corporate bankruptcies fell by 4 per cent year-on-year in June to 302, representing 12 fewer failures than the same period last year but an increase of 15 from May. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the overall bankruptcy rate per 100,000 companies dropped to 8.1 from 8.6 a year earlier, though the transport and storage sector suffered a severe spike, jumping to 39.2 per 100,000 firms. This latest data follows a broader historical trend that peaked in 2015, hit a record low in 2021, and has been on a slight downward trajectory since late 2024.

Dutch consumer confidence has improved for the first time in months, rising from deep lows. CBS reports that consumers feel less negative about the economy and their willingness to buy, although confidence remains far below long‑term norms. Falling oil prices and easing inflation pressures may be helping sentiment recover.

A new CPB study finds that rising energy and fuel costs from the Middle East conflict have only a small effect on disposable incomes for most households, though lower‑income and high‑consumption households face larger losses.

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Dutch factory gate prices jumped 4.9 per cent year-on-year in April, up from a 1.4 per cent increase in March, driven by soaring oil prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. This sharp turnaround follows four months of falling prices, with North Sea Brent crude now costing 47 per cent more than it did last year. The surge has hit energy-intensive sectors hardest—sending petroleum product prices up 48.8 per cent and chemical prices up 11.6 per cent—and raises concerns that inflation will rise as manufacturers pass these higher costs on to consumers.

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), just over 13,700 new-build homes were finished in the first quarter of the year, marking a drop of roughly 1,800 compared with the same period last year. This slowdown is even more notable when compared to the end of 2025, when completions peaked at nearly 22,800. While overall housing stock grew by 13,400 homes due to a boost from property conversions, the pipeline looks mixed: building permits for new homes saw a healthy year-on-year rise to 23,500, yet actually dipped slightly compared to the previous quarter.

Exports slow and Middle East tensions cloud the outlook, but consumption and several key sectors signal underlying resilience.

Owner‑occupied homes in the Netherlands were 5 percent more expensive in March than a year earlier, marking a further easing of price growth. Average prices now exceed €494,600, while sales volumes rose sharply compared to last year.

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.