More bankruptcies

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that the number of bankruptcies increased by 82 in February 2016 relative to January 2015. Over the past six months the number of bankruptcies has increased almost continuously. Most bankruptcies were filed in the trade sector.

Upward trend

Adjusted for court session days, the number of bankruptcies peaked in May 2013 and subsequently dipped in August 2015 to the lowest level since October 2008. In the next four months, the number of bankruptcies increased. In January 2016 the number of bankruptcies began to fall, but started to rise again in February. Over the past six months the overall trend appears to be upward.

Most bankruptcies in trade sector

If the number of court session days is not taken into account, 453 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt in February 2016. With a total of 119, the trade sector accounted for the highest number of bankruptcies. In the sector financial institutions 77 bankruptcies were filed, but these two sectors also include the highest number of businesses. Proportionally, the construction sector recorded the highest number of bankruptcies.