Historically few bankruptcies in 2022 as well

More recent figures are available on this topic. View the latest figures here.
© ANP
The number of companies declared bankrupt (including sole proprietorships), adjusted for court session days, increased for the fourth consecutive month in December. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that there were 34 more bankruptcies in December than in November 2022. With the December figure being known, the provisional total for the entire year can be provided. Altogether 2,144 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt. Since the statistic was launched in 1981, the number of bankruptcies was lower only in 2021.

Number of bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (including sole proprietorships) adjusted for court sessions days
YearWeekNumber of bankruptcies
2019January345
2019February322
2019March321
2019April328
2019May312
2019June304
2019July312
2019August303
2019September316
2019October290
2019November342
2019December297
2020January311
2020February333
2020March280
2020April382
2020May406
2020June257
2020July227
2020August195
2020September212
2020October190
2020November210
2020December174
2021January172
2021February143
2021March165
2021April193
2021May163
2021June139
2021July125
2021August109
2021September141
2021October126
2021November183
2021December159
2022January138
2022February183
2022March164
2022April118
2022May187
2022June163
2022July147
2022August147
2022September172
2022October217
2022November227
2022December261

Low level of bankruptcies

The number of corporate bankruptcies, adjusted for court session days, tends to fluctuate significantly. Ups and downs alternate in rapid succession. The number peaked in May 2013 at 911, then declined continuously until September 2017, after which it remained fairly flat until mid-2020. The subsequent trend was downward, reaching a record low in August 2021. Over the past four months, the number of bankruptcies rose to the highest level since June 2020, but remained relatively low.

Number of bankrupties up by 18 percent on 2021

Over the entire year 2022, a total of 2,144 businesses and institutions (including sole proprietorships) were declared bankrupt. This was the second lowest level since the start of the survey in 1981. Companies could still take advantage of coronavirus support measures in early 2022. Compared to 2021, there were 18 percent fewer bankruptcies. In 2021 the number of bankruptcies stood at 1,818. The peak of 9,431 bankruptcies was reached in 2013, during the euro crisis.

Number of bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (including sole proprietorships)
 Aantal
20014330
20024963
20036386
20046648
20056780
20065941
20074602
20084637
20097987
20107147
20116883
20128346
20139431
20147621
20156006
20165012
20173867
20183633
20193792
20203177
20211818
20222144

Sharpest increase recorded in trade

In 2022, just as in the previous years, most bankruptcies were pronounced in the trade sector (428). This was followed by the construction sector with 341. Both sectors are among the largest in terms of number of businesses.

The number of bankruptcies increased year on year across most sectors. In absolute terms, the trade sector also recorded the sharpest year-on-year increase: by 97. In the retail and wholesale trade sector, the increases were 56 and 44 respectively. Trade and repair of motor vehicles recorded a small decrease. Manufacturing recorded the second largest increase, by 59. Within that sector, the food industry recorded the largest increase with 10 more bankruptcies.

Number of bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (including sole proprietorships) by sector
Bedrijfstak20222021
Trade428331
Construction341317
Specialised business services224199
Financial services181188
Renting and other business services164141
Manufacturing161102
Transportation and storage135130
Accommodation and food services134111
Care11271
Information and communication7676
Other service activities5128
Real estate activities3730
Arts, sports and recreation3224
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries3116
Education1814