The Dutch economy expanded at a slower pace at the start of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth easing to 1.2% year-on-year in the first quarter. According to data updated on 30 April 2026, this marks a deceleration from the 1.8% annual growth rate recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The figures are based on year-over-year comparisons, meaning the current reading measures the change in GDP in the first quarter of 2026 versus the same period a year earlier. The previous indicator reflected the change in the fourth quarter of 2025 relative to the fourth quarter of the prior year. The latest numbers suggest that while the Netherlands remains on a growth path, momentum has weakened as the new year begins, an important signal for investors and policymakers assessing the country’s economic trajectory.
