Substantial growth Dutch economy

The Dutch economy grew by 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period one year previously, the most substantial increase in almost three years. If the working-day pattern and the effects of seasonal variation are taken into account, the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.9 percent in the first quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2010.

Fixed capital formation grew most notably, in the first quarter, by no less than 10.1 percent. The growth rates for exports and imports were 7.0 and 7.2 percent respectively. Household consumption was marginally lower than in the first quarter of 2010.

Manufacturers of goods generated 4.2 percent more output than one year previously. The sectors construction and manufacturing industry performed particularly well. Output in the construction sector soared, i.e. 10.0 percent above the level of the same period twelve months previously. The weather was mild compared to the first quarter of 2010, though. Production in the sector commercial services showed 2.6 percent growth. Output generated by the public sector and the health care sector grew by 2.2 percent.

Disposable for final expenditure and final expenditure (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.