2026.10.3008:42:16UTC+00Dutch GDP Grows More Than Expected

The Dutch economy expanded by 0.6% in the third quarter of 2026, following an upwardly revised 0.7% increase in Q2 and beating market expectations of 0.3%. The upturn was largely driven by a stronger trade balance and the replenishment of natural gas reserves. Exports grew by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, led in particular by machinery and transport equipment, while imports rose at a more subdued pace. Government and household consumption each increased by 0.4%, supported by higher public spending on healthcare and civil servants’ salaries, as well as greater household outlays on food and clothing. By contrast, investment slipped by 0.1%, mainly because of a decline in aircraft imports. On the production side, mining and quarrying posted the fastest increase in value added, at 6.9%, while manufacturing grew by 2.7% and made the largest contribution to overall GDP growth, underscoring its central role in the economy and especially strong performance in machinery. Year-on-year, GDP was up by 2.1%.