Marginal economic growth

The Dutch economy grew by 0.1 percent in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2009. The marginal increase was preceded by five quarters of negative growth. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the economy shrank by 2.2 percent.

Quarter-on-quarter growth was 0.2 percent, taking calendar and seasonal effects into account. The economy has been growing for a while compared with the preceding quarter. Quarter-on-quarter growth in the first quarter was smaller than in the previous two quarters, though.

Exports of goods and services grew substantially. The volume was 8.2 percent larger than in the first quarter of 2009. The volume of imports was 6.1 percent higher than one year previously. Investment spending on fixed assets plunged by 13.9 percent, marginally less than in the last two quarters of 2009. Household spending on goods and services was down 0.4 percent. Compared with preceding quarters, the decrease was less severe. Growth in government consumption, on the other hand, was less sturdy, at 2.2 percent.

Output of manufactured goods dropped just slightly compared with one year previously. Production in mineral extraction increased, influenced by the cold winter weather. Manufacturers also stepped up production compared to the first quarter of 2009. Output realised by the construction sector collapsed though, partly as a result of wintry conditions.

Disposable for final expenditure and final expenditure (volume)