Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Nationwide public transport strike and roadworks: expect delays
A nationwide public transport strike in the Netherlands has caused widespread service disruptions, leading to the near-total suspension of trains and buses. Simultaneously, critical roadworks and high...
Are younger generations really wealthier? Herman (78): ‘We didn’t have much back then, we made do with what we had’
Data indicates that each successive generation in the Netherlands is wealthier than the last, featuring more home ownership and travel opportunities. However, people interviewed at Rotterdam Central S...
French champagne production nearly halved due to extreme weather
Extreme heat and drought have significantly reduced France's wine production to one of the lowest levels in three decades. The struggling agricultural sector is also facing economic headwinds from dec...
Uganda becomes the world's newest oil exporter
Uganda has officially begun exporting its crude oil, marketed as Pearl Sweet, with production expected to ramp up significantly over the next three years. The project utilizes the new East African Cru...
Economic growth in the Amsterdam region no longer guaranteed, situation requires 'drastic choices'
Economic growth in the Amsterdam region is slowing significantly due to infrastructure constraints, labor shortages, and geopolitical risks. The region must now navigate difficult trade-offs regarding...
Economic growth of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area no longer a given
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is facing significant challenges to its economic growth due to labor shortages, grid capacity issues, and limited space for housing and business development. These cons...
German supermarket Kaufland launches online marketplace in the Netherlands
German supermarket chain Kaufland has expanded its operations into the Netherlands with the launch of an online marketplace featuring nine million products from thousands of vendors. This digital plat...
ABN Amro: high tourist tax will further reduce number of business overnight stays
Business overnight stays in Amsterdam have dropped by 38 percent since 2019, with experts warning that further increases in tourist taxes will continue to harm the sector. High tax rates are driving u...
Sugar prices rise sharply due to lower production and extreme weather
Sugar prices are surging globally due to reduced production caused by drought, extreme weather, and the impact of El Niño on major producing regions. Consumers are expected to experience these price ...
No buses, trams, metros or ferries due to major public transport strike: "This is a desperate measure"
Public transport workers across the Netherlands are launching a nationwide strike to protest proposed social security cuts that they argue unfairly penalize those in physically demanding jobs. As a re...
ASML begins construction of new campus for twenty thousand people
ASML has begun construction on a new campus in the Netherlands, a project supported by the government under Project Beethoven to secure the future of the local chip industry. The facility is expected ...
Working from home, online classes, or just walking: how Amsterdam commuters are preparing for the national public transport strike
Commuters in Amsterdam are adjusting to a national public transport strike by shifting to remote work, walking, or attending classes online. While some workers are forced to rely on expensive taxi ser...
Tax deficit is rising, Nina keeps withdrawing money from her account
Self-employed entrepreneur Nina has accumulated an 8,000 euro deficit in her tax account due to a habit of using tax funds to cover personal and business expenses. She is now working to stabilize her ...
From Taylor Swift to Leonardo DiCaprio: how the Honey Deuce became the ultimate US Open status symbol
The Honey Deuce has become a signature status symbol at the US Open in New York, generating over 17 million dollars in sales last year. The cocktail, featuring distinct melon spheres resembling tennis...
Wars increasingly put international shipping under pressure
The Consultative Shipping Group has warned that geopolitical conflicts and the rise of an uninsured shadow fleet are threatening the stability of global maritime trade. Consequently, businesses are in...
Vlaams Belang may not simply use IKEA brand for campaign
The European Court of Justice has ruled that the political party Vlaams Belang cannot claim freedom of expression to justify using IKEA's branding for its immigration policy campaign. The court stated...
In Amsterdam it wasn't gold that glittered in the past, but diamonds
Amsterdam was historically the center of the diamond processing industry, establishing a strong reputation and generating significant wealth. The city became a global hub for the craft, solidifying it...
UK also bans trade in goods from Israeli settlements
The United Kingdom has joined several other European nations in banning trade involving goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank to protest their ongoing expansion. The Netherlands has also ann...
Growth of solar panels stalls: yields increasingly under pressure
Solar panel growth in the Netherlands is slowing due to the upcoming removal of net-metering benefits and new fees charged by energy suppliers. Furthermore, grid congestion is hindering the developmen...
Gas and go: gas station owners report more fuel theft
Gas station operators are facing a notable rise in incidents where drivers leave without paying for fuel, an increase attributed partly to high costs. While some cases are accidental, data shows a sig...
Brussels wants to move away from lowest-price tendering; greening and innovation to carry more weight
The European Commission is introducing new rules for public procurement that move away from prioritizing the lowest price in favor of quality, sustainability, and innovation. This shift aims to utiliz...
Amsterdam loses 38 percent of its highly sought-after business hotel guests: ‘Bad for the business climate’
Research from ABN Amro reveals that Amsterdam has lost 38 percent of its business hotel guests. Although tourists are filling the resulting vacancies, they generally spend significantly less than corp...
Fed up with your job after two weeks in the sun? That's not so crazy
Many employees frequently reconsider their career paths after returning from summer vacations, leading to a surge in job applications during September and October. Experts advise against immediately s...
Tessa (37) earns 3700 euros a month and saves on clothes and groceries, but not on swimming lessons: 'If they finish faster, it costs the same in the end'
Bank employee Tessa van Ravenzwaaij earns a monthly income of over 5,000 euros including benefits, which helps her comfortably cover her family's rent and daily expenses. While she actively saves mone...
Odido employee falls for phishing site: police share conversation with hack suspect for the first time
Dutch police have released audio of a phone call where a suspect impersonated an IT worker to trick an Odido employee into compromising company security. This successful phishing attack led to a massi...
Wealthier than mom and dad? Younger generations usually have more money than their parents
Data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that younger generations are generally wealthier than their parents were at the same age. Millennials are more likely to own a home and have savings compar...
'Rare' fruits and vegetables still barely leave the farm
About 15 percent of produce grown in the Netherlands is discarded annually because it fails to meet strict supermarket standards for size and appearance. While waste-reduction organizations are active...
Soap opera over large wind turbines: Amsterdam bites the dust again after 17 years
The Province of North Holland has blocked Amsterdam's long-standing plans to build three large wind turbines near the Coenplein, citing serious concerns over traffic safety. The decision complicates e...
Live: Nationwide public transport strike | Schiphol remains partially accessible during public transport strike
A 24-hour nationwide public transport strike in the Netherlands has concluded, with normal service schedules resuming on Thursday. The protest, led by unions to oppose proposed social security cuts, c...
Many austerity plans have been scrapped: is the public transport strike still necessary?
Labor unions FNV and CNV have scheduled a public transport strike for Wednesday to protest cabinet austerity plans regarding social security. Political reporter Hans van Soest addresses questions abou...