Substantial economic growth

The third quarter volume of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was up by 2.7 percent on the third quarter of 2005. Exports remained the main driving force behind economic growth. The third quarter of 2006 had a working day less than the third quarter of 2005.

After correction for calendar and seasonal effects, GDP volume was up by 0.7 percent on the second quarter of 2006. This quarter-on-quarter growth rate is about the same as that of the first six months of the year.

Households spent 2.2 percent more than the year before. The increase in spending on durable consumer goods remained high, but was less exuberant than in the first six months of 2006. The volume of government consumption was 1.4 percent higher than the year before.

The volume of exports of goods and services was up by 5.8 percent. This rise in exports was slightly smaller than in the first half of 2006, but slightly larger than the 2005 average. The slightly slower growth of exports was visible at the re-exports, the exports of Dutch manufactured products and the export of services. Re-exports were still growing substantially. Imports grew slightly more than exports.

Investments in the third quarter were up by 6.4 percent on the same quarter of 2005. Companies invested more in machinery, computers and truck. Investments in dwellings and infrastructure were also higher.

The production increased in most sectors of industry, but it increased most in commercial services and construction. Growth rates in industrial production and government production were modest. Energy production was considerably lower.

Disposable for final expenditure and final expenditure (volume)