Economic growth of 0.6 percent in Q2 2026

According to the second estimate conducted by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.6 percent in Q2 2026 relative to Q1 2026. According to the first estimate published on 30 July, growth was 0.4 percent. The second GDP estimate is published around 85 days after the end of each quarter.

Economic growth was 0.2 percentage points higher than in the first estimate. This is mainly due to stronger growth in exports – particularly of services – and a larger increase in household consumption. As a result, the economic picture has changed somewhat. The increase in GDP in the first quarter of 2026 is mainly attributable to household consumption, the trade balance (exports – imports) and public consumption.

Second estimate

The second estimate is compiled 85 days after the end of the quarter. The first estimate is calculated 30 days after the end of the quarter, and is based on the most recent data available at that point. Following the first estimate, new information about the state of the Dutch economy continues to pour in, including data on the construction sector, business services, accommodation and food services, the public sector, health and well-being and the financial services sector. These data are added and new calculations are performed.

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, but ranged between -0.4 and 0.7 percentage points, in 2024 and 2021 respectively.

Quarter-on-quarter growth adjustment

With each new estimate, CBS also recalculates the seasonally adjusted series for previously published quarters. For example, the quarter-on-quarter GDP growth rate for Q4 2025 has been adjusted from 0.4 percent to 0.5 percent. Growth in Q1 2026 remained at 0.3 percent.

Growth compared to Q2 2025

GDP grew by 1.6 percent in Q2 2026, year on year. According to the first estimate, growth was 1.3 percent. The upward adjustment is also mainly due to the fact that exports and household consumption were adjusted upwards. Trade balance, household consumption and public consumption contributed the most to growth.

Number of jobs rose by 15 thousand

The second estimate shows that the number of people employed or self-employed rose by 15 thousand in Q2 2026 compared with Q1 2026. This contrast with the first estimate, which indicated a decrease of 8 thousand jobs.

The second estimate for Q2 2026 shows a year-on-year increase in the number of people employed or self-employed of 6 thousand. That was 25 thousand fewer than shown in the first estimate.

Job figures are adjusted when additional information becomes available.