Dutch economic growth at 1.8 percent

The Dutch economy grew by 1.8 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period in 2009. In the second quarter the economy grew by 2.2 percent.

The economy contracted slightly compared with the preceding quarter. The volume of the gross domestic product (GDP) was down 0.1 percent on the second quarter, taking calendar and seasonal effects into account. Quarter-on-quarter growth had been positive in the four preceding quarters.

With 10.4 percent, imports and exports of goods and services grew substantially, but less than in the second quarter. The volume of household expenditure was up by 0.6 percent on one year previously. Government consumption was up by 1.8 percent. Investments in fixed capital formation, on the other hand, were still down, but, with 3.0 percent the decrease was far less substantial than in preceding quarters.

Producers of goods realised 2.1 percent more output than one year previously. The manufacturing industry in particular stepped up production. Output in construction still lagged far behind last year’s level. Production growth in the services sector virtually equalled that of producers of goods.

Disposable for final expenditure and final expenditure (volume)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.