Sustained economic contraction
The Dutch economy shrank by 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter. It was the second consecutive quarter showing negative quarter-on-quarter growth. Taking into account the working-day pattern and the effects of seasonal variation, the economy contracted by 1.0 percent in the third quarter relative to the preceding quarter.
Gross domestic product in billion euro at 2005 prices
The Dutch economy contracted 0.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the same period one year previously. Fixed capital formation fell by 5.2 percent. Household spending on goods and services declined by 2.3 percent. Government consumption, on the other hand, accounted for a 1.1 percent growth. The volume of exports was 3.2 percent up from one year previously. The volume of imports was also 3.2 percent up.
Output realised by goods manufacturers was 1.0 percent down from one year previously. Output in the sector mineral extraction increased considerably, but production in the sector construction dropped dramatically. Manufacturing output was at about the same level as in the fourth quarter of 2011. Production generated by the sector commercial services fell by 1.2 percent, but production in the sector non-commercial services improved by 0.9 percent.
Disposable for final expenditure and final expenditure (volume)
More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.
For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.