Dutch economy grew by 0.4 percent in Q2 2026

According to the first estimate from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), based on the data currently available, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.4 percent in Q2 2026, relative to the previous quarter. In Q1 2026, the economy grew by 0.3 percent. Household consumption and public consumption made the most positive contribution to growth.

All figures used in this news article are based on volume, which means that they have been adjusted for price changes.

Household consumption and investment rose the most significantly, trade balance was slightly down

Household consumption rose by 0.5 percent compared to Q1 2026. Households mainly spent more on passenger cars and on food, beverages and tobacco. Investments in fixed assets also rose by 0.5 percent compared to Q1 2026. That was mainly due to increased investment in electrotechnical devices. However, investments in construction fell. Public consumption increased by 0.4 percent. The government spent more on healthcare and on wages.

Exports of goods and services rose by 1.2 percent in Q2 2026 compared to Q1 2026. More machinery, food, beverages and tobacco were exported, in particular. However, imports of goods and services rose by 1.4 percent, slightly more than exports. As a result, the trade balance (exports – imports) fell slightly.

Trade, accommodation and food services, transportation and storage sector contributed the most to growth

In Q2 2026, value added (the difference between production and the consumption of energy, materials and services) grew the most in the trade sector, accommodation and food services, and the transportation and storage sector, at 1.8 percent. The increase is mainly attributable to the trade sector. Value added in the manufacturing sector rose by 1.5 percent; the machinery and petroleum industries, in particular, recorded growth. The trade sector, accommodation and food services, the transportation and storage sector and the manufacturing sector also made the largest contributions to economic growth in the second quarter.

Dutch economy 1.3 percent larger, year on year

The GDP of the Netherlands grew by 1.3 percent in Q2 of 2026, year on year. Public consumption and household consumption were the main drivers of this growth.

Public consumption was 2.5 percent higher, while household consumption was 1.3 percent higher. Investments grew by 0.4 percent. The increase in exports was 2.5 percent, while imports grew by 2.1 percent. As a result, the trade balance also contributed positively to year-on-year growth.

The trade sector, accommodation and food services, the transportation and storage sector and the public sector made the largest contributions to economic growth compared to the second quarter of 2025.

First estimate

The first estimate of GDP growth is published 30 days after the end of a quarter and is based on the information available at that moment. It provides an initial picture of the state of the Dutch economy. After the first estimate, new data is collected, which is used to make new calculations. The second estimate of economic growth in Q4 2024 will be released on Wednesday 23 September.

On average, over the five-year period of 2021-2025, the difference between the final estimate and the first estimate was 0.2 percentage points in absolute terms, with the two extremes ranging between -0.4 and 0.7 percentage points, in 2024 and 2021 respectively.

With each new estimate, CBS also determines the new seasonally adjusted figures for previously published quarters. For example, the growth figure for Q1 2026 has been adjusted from 0.2 to 0.3 percent.