PUBLISHED March 27, 2026
Economic Sentiment Slightly Improves
According to data published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the overall economic picture in the Netherlands was slightly less negative in February 2026 compared to January. The CBS Conjunctuurklok indicates that although the economy is still performing below its long-term trend, the general sentiment has improved marginally.
Majority of Indicators Still Underperforming
Despite this improvement, most economic indicators remain below their long-term average.
This shows that the Dutch economy is still in a weaker phase, even if the downward momentum has eased.The data reflects a situation where recovery has not yet fully taken hold.
Exports and Consumption Provide Some Support
Some positive developments can be observed in exports and household consumption. Export volumes increased compared to a year earlier, particularly in certain industrial categories, while households also spent slightly more.
These elements provide limited support to overall economic activity.
Investment Continues to Lag Behind
In contrast, investment remains weak and continues to weigh on the overall economic picture. Businesses appear cautious, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and limiting stronger economic growth.
The labour market remains relatively stable, although some indicators suggest a slight weakening. While unemployment has not increased sharply, the overall momentum in employment-related data appears to have softened.
The labour market remains relatively stable, although some indicators suggest a slight weakening. While unemployment has not increased sharply, the overall momentum in employment-related data appears to have softened.
The number of bankruptcies has increased compared to the previous period, indicating that certain sectors are still under pressure. This highlights the uneven impact of current economic conditions across businesses.
At the same time, the housing market continues to show strength, with prices of existing homes significantly higher than a year earlier. However, the rate of increase has begun to slow, suggesting a more moderate trend.
Overall, the Dutch economy appears to be stabilising rather than strongly recovering. While the situation is slightly less negative than before, most indicators still point to a below-trend performance, indicating that a full recovery will take time.
The number of bankruptcies has increased compared to the previous period, indicating that certain sectors are still under pressure. This highlights the uneven impact of current economic conditions across businesses.
At the same time, the housing market continues to show strength, with prices of existing homes significantly higher than a year earlier. However, the rate of increase has begun to slow, suggesting a more moderate trend.
Overall, the Dutch economy appears to be stabilising rather than strongly recovering. While the situation is slightly less negative than before, most indicators still point to a below-trend performance, indicating that a full recovery will take time.
