Dutch Economy Accelerates in Q3

The Dutch economy grew by 0.5% from the previous period in the fourth quarter of 2025, matching the pace seen in the third quarter, driven by exports and higher government spending, preliminary estimates showed. Exports of goods and services increased by 1.3%, helped by stronger sales of petroleum products, machinery and transport equipment, although services exports edged slightly lower. Imports also rose, but at a slower 0.6%, meaning exports contributed positively to overall growth. Government consumption climbed by 1.1%, reflecting higher spending on healthcare and public sector wages. Household spending rose modestly by 0.3%, with consumers spending more on everyday items such as food. In contrast, investment fell slightly by 0.1%, largely due to lower spending on aircraft. By sector, agriculture recorded the strongest growth, while government and healthcare made the largest overall contribution. For the full year 2025, GDP grew by 1.9%.

The Netherlands’ economy expanded by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, revised upward from an initial estimate of 0.4%, and picking up from a 0.3% expansion in Q2. This marked the fastest pace of growth in three quarters, supported by firmer household consumption, which rose by 0.3% compared with 0.1% in Q2, alongside stronger government spending growth of 0.8% from 0.5%. Net trade also made a positive contribution, as exports increased by 1% after a 0.5% rise in Q2, while import growth slowed markedly to 0.4% from 1.9%. By contrast, fixed asset investment declined by 1.4%, compared to a 1.6% growth previously, reflecting weaker investment by businesses and households (-0.8% vs. 0%) as well as a sharp drop in general government investment (-4.3% vs. 9.9%). On an annual basis, GDP growth was revised up to 1.8% from a flash estimate of 1.6% and from 1.7% in the prior period.

The Netherlands’ economy grew 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, up from an upwardly revised 0.3% in Q2, according to a flash estimate. This was the fastest pace of expansion this year, driven mainly by exports and government consumption. Exports of goods and services rose 0.8%, led by petroleum products, plastics, metals, and machinery, while imports increased only 0.2%. Government consumption grew 1.1%, supported by higher healthcare spending and wages, among other areas. Household consumption rose 0.3%, with consumers spending more on energy, transport, and clothing. However, fixed asset investment fell 1.6%, as both businesses and the government cut spending on transport. On a yearly basis, GDP growth edged slightly lower to 1.6%, down from 1.7% in Q2.