Dutch economy grew by 0.6 percent in Q3 2026

The figures presented in this news release are based on volume, which means that they have been adjusted for price changes. Figures from the previous quarter have been seasonally adjusted for comparison.

Exports and consumption rose the most significantly

Exports increased by 0.5 percent compared with Q2. Exports of machinery and transport equipment increased, in particular. Imports of goods and services grew at a slower rate, which led to an increase in the balance of trade (exports minus imports).

Government consumption rose by 0.4 percent in Q3 2026 compared with Q2. The government spent more on health care and civil servants’ salaries, in particular. Household consumption also increased by 0.4 percent: spending on food and clothing was higher. Investment fell by 0.1 percent because fewer aircraft were imported than in the previous quarter.

Manufacturing contributed the most to growth

Value added (i.e. the difference between total output and inputs in the form of energy, materials and services) grew the most in the mining and quarrying sector, at 6.9 percent. Although value added in the manufacturing sector grew at a slower rate of 2.7 percent, this sector still made the largest contribution to economic growth in Q3 due to its economic significance. The machinery sector, in particular, saw significant growth.

Dutch economy grew by 2.1 percent compared to Q3 2025

GDP was up by 2.1 percent in Q3 2026, year on year, with household consumption and the trade balance contributing the most to growth.

Public consumption and household consumption were up by 2.0 percent and 1.8 percent, year on year. Investments were up by 0.8 percent. Exports rose by 2.7 percent, while imports (by value) grew by 2.2 percent. As a result, the trade balance also made a positive contribution to year-on-year growth.

Looking at the break-down by sector, manufacturing and trade, accommodation and food services, transport and storage made the largest contribution to economic growth compared with Q3 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 time. 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 will be released on Thursday 24 December.

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 updates the new seasonally adjusted figures for previously published quarters. For example, the growth figure for Q2 2026 has been adjusted from 0.6 to 0.7 percent.