Dutch Q2 GDP Growth Beats Forecasts

The Dutch economy expanded by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, accelerating slightly from the 0.3% growth recorded in Q1 and exceeding economists’ expectations of a 0.2% increase. The stronger-than-expected performance was driven mainly by domestic demand. Household spending rose by 0.5%, supported by higher purchases of passenger cars, food, beverages and tobacco, while business investment also increased by 0.5%, led by greater spending on electronic equipment despite weaker construction investment. Government consumption also contributed, rising 0.4% due to higher healthcare expenditure and public sector wages. External trade provided a small drag on growth, as exports increased by 1.2%, while imports rose even faster at 1.4%. On the production side, the strongest growth came from the trade, accommodation and food services, transportation and storage sectors, while manufacturing also performed well, particularly the machinery and petroleum industries.




