Bankruptcies fall 19% in May in the Netherlands

The number of business bankruptcies in the Netherlands fell in May compared with both a year earlier and the previous month, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). A total of 287 companies went bankrupt in May, which is 66 fewer than in the same month last year, representing a 19 percent decline year over year. Compared with April, the number of bankruptcies also decreased, though modestly, by 1 percent.

CBS said the bankruptcy rate — defined as the number of bankruptcies per 100,000 businesses — stood at 7.7 in May. A year earlier, the rate was 9.6 per 100,000 businesses. The agency noted that this measure provides a more accurate comparison over time and across industries because the total number of businesses fluctuates and differs significantly between sectors.

Sector data showed the highest relative number of bankruptcies in transportation and storage, where 22.6 companies per 100,000 failed. That is down from 25.3 per 100,000 a year earlier. The industrial sector followed with a bankruptcy rate of 19.3 per 100,000 businesses. The lowest relative number of bankruptcies was recorded in culture, sports, and recreation.

CBS data tracking back to 2015 shows the bankruptcy rate reached its peak in March 2015 at 24.8 per 100,000 businesses. It then declined steadily, hitting a record low of 3.4 in August 2021. After that, the number of bankruptcies per 100,000 businesses rose again through 2024. Since late 2024, the trend has stabilized, and the agency says it has shown a slight downward movement in recent months.