Economy News in English
Latest economy headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

Dutch industry sees significant growth spurt driven by machine engineering
The Dutch industrial sector experienced significant growth in June, with production increasing by 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. Data from the CBS indicates that this rise was primarily dr...
Thirty years after Lovers Rail, rail competition still struggles to take off
Regional rainfall deficits break records: 'This is the new normal'
Regional precipitation deficits in parts of the Netherlands, including Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, have reached record levels as of early August. Experts warn that these dry conditions could becom...

Bol removes multiple eclipse glasses from its site due to safety requirements
Bol has removed approximately twenty types of eclipse glasses from its online store because it could not guarantee they met safety standards. The company took this action following reports regarding t...

Upcoming solar eclipse to reduce solar energy generation
An upcoming solar eclipse this Wednesday will cause a temporary decrease in solar energy production across large parts of Europe. Grid operators have implemented safety measures to maintain network st...

Hospitality sector responds to growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks
Non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands, particularly among younger generations who are prioritizing healthier lifestyles. This consumer shift is significantly inf...
Economic powerhouse Germany loses 15,000 jobs per month: what does this mean for the Netherlands?
Germany's manufacturing sector is currently shedding 15,000 jobs per month across the automotive and machinery industries. This economic downturn in Germany is expected to have significant repercussio...

Foundation accelerates claim against cargo bike company Babboe due to potential bankruptcy
The claim foundation Veilige Bakfiets is accelerating efforts to secure compensation for owners of defective Babboe bicycles due to the risk of bankruptcy for parent company Accell. This move aims to ...

Eclipse fever hits Europe: hotels more expensive and viewing spots scarce
The upcoming solar eclipse on August 12 is causing a surge in tourism across parts of Europe. This influx of travelers has led to limited accommodation availability and significantly higher hotel pric...

Trucks now allowed on the road on Sundays in some German states
Several German states have temporarily lifted the Sunday driving ban for trucks to mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by low water levels in the Rhine. This measure aims to ensure the continued ...

Belgian government blocks Chinese takeover of helicopter company
The Belgian government has blocked the acquisition of the helicopter company Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen (NHV) by a Chinese firm. Officials cited concerns that the sale would lead to the loss of c...

Screen time | Murdoku creator sees little creativity in AI clones
In the 'Schermtijd' column, tech reporter Rutger Otto explores the internet and discusses the game Murdoku with its creator. The discussion touches on the creator's perspective regarding the lack of c...
I always had the idea that one day I would pass this company on to the next generation in good health
A vegetable grower in Delfland is facing the potential closure of a third-generation family business due to new irrigation restrictions. The impact of these regulations threatens the future of the far...

US company prepares unauthorized oil drilling in Greenland
An American company has begun unauthorized preparations for oil test drilling in a protected area of Greenland. The Greenlandic government has issued a strong warning after the company landed machiner...
Sustainable businesses hit a wall due to congested power grid, causing Amsterdam to miss out on jobs and revenue
Heatwave also hits wallets: spending drops by 4 percent, with rural areas staying home
During heatwaves, consumer spending in the Netherlands drops by 4 percent as residents tend to stay indoors. While rural citizens are more likely to stay home, urban dwellers frequently visit hospital...
Jordi Cruyff brings new momentum to Ajax, but also increased financial risk
Childcare allowance increased, but Amsterdam parents more often face extra costs

Profit from supermarket savings stamps halves, but you still get extra money back
Albert Heijn customers will soon take twice as long to fill a savings book due to changes in the stamp program. Experts suggest that current savers should continue, as they still receive extra value d...

Global food prices reach highest level since January 2023
Global food prices reached their highest level since January 2023 in July. This increase is attributed to adverse weather conditions and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Black ...
Farmers face tension amid heat and drought: corn scorching and potatoes barely surviving
Farmers in the Netherlands are facing significant challenges due to ongoing heat and drought, which are damaging crops like corn and potatoes. Despite these concerns, some farmers remain hopeful as po...
Call for input: what does living in Amsterdam cost you per month?
Price of petrol and diesel drops further on Friday, choosing the right gas station can save 25 cents per liter
Fuel prices at Dutch gas stations decreased on Friday following a decline in global oil prices earlier in the week. Despite a slight rebound due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, motorists can curr...

SpaceX rocket stage crash on moon barely visible from Earth
A spent stage of a SpaceX rocket impacted the moon on Wednesday morning after drifting through space for eighteen months. The impact was barely visible from Earth, with the Korean space agency KASA be...

KLM resumes flights to Tel Aviv from late August, crew to stay in Cyprus
KLM will resume flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv starting August 25 after a six-month suspension due to regional security concerns. During this period, the airline's crew will stay overnight in ...

Many parents pay extra for childcare despite higher subsidies
In 2025, 719,000 parents in the Netherlands received childcare subsidies for over 1.1 million children. Although the subsidy percentage increased from 65 percent in 2024 to 68 percent in 2025, many pa...

Airbnb profits from World Cup with 150,000 new US listings
Airbnb is experiencing a surge in demand and new hosts due to the World Cup, alongside a rapid increase in hotel bookings through its platform. The company is actively capitalizing on these travel tre...
After Bol and de Bijenkorf, eyewear chain Ace & Tate also hit by partner company data breach
Eyewear retailer Ace & Tate has confirmed a data breach involving a third-party logistics partner, impacting its customers. This incident follows a series of similar security breaches at other major D...

Meta to pay nearly 500 million euros for harm to children
Meta has been ordered to pay approximately 492 million euros in the US state of New Mexico due to damages caused to children by Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, the company is required to improve...

Former minister deliberately waited until after elections to scrap labor migration plan
Former Minister of Social Affairs Mariëlle Paul deliberately delayed the announcement of the cancellation of an labor migration plan until after last year's elections. Internal documents revealed by ...