Dutch economy grows slightly as job market eases
The Dutch economy grew a modest 0.1 percent in the first three months of 2026, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported Thursday. Growth slowed from 0.4 percent in the previous quarter. Over the past year, the economy expanded 1.2 percent.
Household spending stayed flat. Families bought more food and clothing but spent less on transport, petrol, and diesel. The job market also eased slightly. Employers added a net 2,000 jobs, mostly in business and public services, including 1,000 new positions in accommodation and food services.
However, jobs were cut in trade, transport, accommodation, and temporary employment agencies. Unemployment rose by 3,000 people, while job vacancies fell by 6,000. In most sectors, vacancies stayed about the same as late last year but dropped by 2,000 each in the public sector and business services.
“The tightness in the labor market, therefore, eased slightly,” CBS said. There are now 91 open jobs for every 100 unemployed people.
Investment and government spending drove most of the economic growth. Weaker exports held it back. Changes in business inventories also helped.
Business investment rose 0.7 percent, especially in aircraft and machinery. Government consumption increased 0.5 percent, with more money spent on healthcare and public wages.
Exports fell 0.6 percent. Goods exports dropped 1.2 percent, as factories shipped out fewer machines and transport equipment. Service exports rose 0.8 percent. Imports did not change, so the trade balance hurt growth.
Financial services grew the fastest, with value added up 2.1 percent. The public sector (including education and care) rose 0.6 percent. These two areas gave the biggest boost to the economy. Manufacturing fell 1.8 percent, and business services dropped 0.4 percent — the largest drags on growth. Other sectors showed smaller changes.
