Economic overview Netherlands, in 36 editions.

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity, including construction, activity provides about 25% of GDP, GDP and is led by the food-processing, oil-refining, and metal-working metalworking industries. The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 6% 5% of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing industry. An unemployment rate of over 8.6% 6.8% and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most serious economic problems.

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise.
The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations,
permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic
activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of
GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the
food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly
mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but
provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing
industry. An unemployment rate of 6.8% 6.2% and a sizable budget deficit are
currently the most serious economic problems.

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise.
The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations,
permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic
activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of
GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the
food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly
mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but
provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing
industry. An unemployment rate of 6.2% Unemployment and a sizable budget deficit are
currently the most
serious economic problems. Many of the economic issues of the 1990s will
reflect the course of European economic integration.

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise.
enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through
many regulations,
permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting
most aspects of economic
activity. The trade and financial services
sector contributes over 50% of
GDP. Industrial activity provides about
25% of GDP and is led by the
food-processing, oil-refining, and
metalworking industries. The highly
mechanized agricultural sector
employs only 5% of the labor force, but
provides large surpluses for
export and the domestic food-processing
industry. Unemployment Rising unemployment
and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most
serious economic
problems. Many of the economic issues of the 1990s will
reflect the
course of European economic integration.

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private
private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through
through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting
affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services
services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity
provides about
25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing,
oil-refining, and
metalworking industries. The highly mechanized
agricultural sector
employs only 5% 4% of the labor force, but provides
large surpluses for
export and the domestic food-processing industry. Rising unemployment
Indeed the Netherlands ranks third worldwide in value of agricultural
exports, behind the US and France. High unemployment and a sizable
budget deficit are currently the most serious economic
problems. Many
of the economic issues of the 1990s will reflect the
course of
European economic integration.

This highly developed and affluent economy is
based on
private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however,
however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs
programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial
financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity
activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing,
food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The
highly mechanized
agricultural sector employs only 4% of the labor
force, but provides
large surpluses for export and the domestic
food-processing industry.
Indeed Indeed, the Netherlands ranks third
worldwide in value of agricultural
exports, behind the US and
France. High unemployment and a sizable
budget deficit are currently
the most serious economic problems. Many
of the economic issues of
the 1990s will reflect the course of
European economic integration.

This highly developed and affluent economy is
based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt,
however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare
programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and
financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial
activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the
features food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. metalworking. The
highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 4% of the labor
force, force but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic
food-processing industry. Indeed, the Netherlands ranks third
worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and
France. High unemployment
Sharp cuts in subsidy and a sizable budget deficit are currently social security spending have been
the most serious economic problems. Many of the economic issues of accompanied by sustained growth in output and employment. The Dutch
the 1990s will reflect almost certainly qualify for the course first wave of European economic integration. countries entering
the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999.

This highly developed and affluent economy is
based
on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt,
however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare
programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. Industrial
activity features food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking. The
highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 4% 2% of the labor
force but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic
food-processing industry. Indeed, the Netherlands ranks third
worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and France.
Sharp cuts in subsidy and social security spending have been
accompanied by sustained growth in output and employment. Growth in
1998 should be a brisk 3.5%. The Dutch
will almost certainly qualify
for the first wave of countries entering
the Economic and European Monetary Union
(EMU) in 1999.

This highly developed prosperous and affluent open economy is based
on
private enterprise. The government makes its enterprise with the government's presence felt,
however, through felt in many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare
programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. the economy. Industrial
activity features food-processing, oil-refining, food
processing, petroleum refining, and metalworking. The
highly
mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% 4% of the labor force,
force but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic
food-processing industry. Indeed, As a result, the Netherlands ranks third
worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and France.
France. Sharp cuts in subsidy and social security spending have been since the
accompanied by 1980s helped the Dutch achieve sustained economic growth in output combined
with falling unemployment and employment. Growth moderate inflation. The economy
achieved a strong 3.7% growth in 1998; a dip in the business cycle
1998 should probably will cause the economy to decelerate to slightly over 2%
growth in 1999. Unemployment in 1999 is expected to be a brisk 3.5%. less than 5%
of the labor force, and inflation probably will decline. The Dutch will almost certainly qualify
for joined the first wave of 11 EU countries entering launching the European Monetary Union euro system
(EMU) in on 1 January 1999.

This The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy is based on
private enterprise with the government's presence felt in many
aspects of which the economy. government has successfully reduced its role since the 1980s. Industrial activity features is predominantly in food
processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and metalworking. The electrical machinery. A highly
mechanized agricultural sector employs only no more than 4% of the labor force,
force but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic
food-processing industry. As a result, the Netherlands ranks industry and for exports. The Dutch rank third
worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and
France. Sharp cuts in subsidy and social security spending since The Netherlands successfully addressed the
1980s issue of public finances and stagnating job growth long before its European partners. This has helped cushion the Dutch achieve sustained economic growth combined
with falling unemployment and moderate inflation. The economy
achieved a strong 3.7% growth in 1998; from a dip slowdown in the business cycle
probably will cause the economy to decelerate to slightly over 2%
euro area. Strong 3.8% GDP growth in 1998 was followed by an only slightly lower 3.4% expansion in 1999. Unemployment The outlook remains favorable, with real GDP growth in 1999 is expected to be less than 5%
of the labor force, and inflation probably will decline. 2000 projected at 3.25%, along with a small budget surplus. The Dutch
joined were among the first wave of 11 EU countries launching establishing the euro system
currency zone on 1 January 1999.

The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy in which the government has successfully reduced its depending heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role since the 1980s. as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Dutch rank third worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and France. The Netherlands successfully addressed the issue of public finances and stagnating job growth long before its European partners. This has helped cushion the Dutch economy from a slowdown has expanded by 3% or more in each of the euro area. Strong 3.8% last four years and real GDP growth in 1998 was followed by an only slightly lower 3.4% expansion is likely to be about 3.6% in 1999. 2001. The outlook remains favorable, with real GDP growth government in 2000 projected at 3.25%, along with a small budget surplus. 2001 will implement its most comprehensive tax reform since World War II, designed to reduce high income tax levels and redirect the fiscal burden onto consumption. The Dutch were among the first 11 EU countries establishing the euro currency zone on 1 January 1999.

The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy depending heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Dutch rank third worldwide in value Netherlands, along with 11 of agricultural exports, behind its EU partners, began circulating the US and France. euro currency on 1 January 2002. The Dutch economy has expanded by 3% or more country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in each 2001-02, as part of the last global economic slowdown, but for the four years and real GDP before that, annual growth is likely to be about 3.6% in 2001. The government in 2001 will implement its most comprehensive tax reform since World War II, designed to reduce high income tax levels and redirect the fiscal burden onto consumption. The Dutch were among averaged nearly 4%, well above the first 11 EU countries establishing the euro currency zone on 1 January 1999. average.

The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy depending heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-02, 2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% limit.

The Netherlands is has a prosperous and open economy depending economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% of GDP budget deficit limit.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-03, 2001-04, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% of GDP budget deficit limit.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-04, 2001-05, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-05, 2001-06, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 2% 3% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-06, as part investment and is one of the global economic slowdown, five largest investors in the US. The economy experienced a slowdown in 2005 but for in 2006 recovered to the four fastest pace in six years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above on the EU average. back of increased exports and strong investment. The pace of job growth reached 10-year highs in 2007.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 3% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the five four largest investors in the US. The economy experienced a slowdown in 2005 but in 2006 recovered to the fastest pace in six years on the back of increased exports and strong investment. The pace of job growth reached 10-year highs in 2007. 2007, but economic growth fell sharply in 2008 as fallout from the world financial crisis constricted demand and raised the specter of a recession in 2009.

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 3% only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the US. The pace After 26 years of job growth reached 10-year highs in 2007, but uninterrupted economic growth fell sharply in 2008 as fallout from growth, the Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch financial crisis constricted demand sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two banks and raised injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the specter domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of GDP in 2009 and 5.6% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a recession surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2009. 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check while promoting economic recovery.

The Netherlands economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Netherlands' economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign trade and financial services - was hard-hit by global economic crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% in 2009, while exports declined nearly 25% due to a sharp contraction in world demand. The Dutch financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response to turmoil in financial markets, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars into a third, to prevent further systemic risk. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% of GDP in 2009 and 5.6% 5.3% in 2010 that contrasts sharply with a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector consumption, the government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely to come under increased pressure to keep the budget deficit in check while promoting economic recovery.

The Netherlands Dutch economy is the fifth-largest economy in the euro-zone and is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account trade surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country has been one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the four largest investors in the US. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Netherlands' Dutch economy - which is highly open and dependent on foreign trade and an international financial services sector and international trade - was hard-hit by global economic crisis. Dutch GDP contracted 3.9% by 3.5% in 2009, while exports declined nearly 25% due to 2009 as a sharp contraction in world demand. result of the global financial crisis. The Dutch financial sector has also suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In response to turmoil in financial markets, 2008, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars of capital into a third, other financial institutions, to prevent further systemic risk. deterioration of a crucial sector. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of nearly 4.6% 5.3% of GDP in 2009 and 5.3% in 2010 that contrasts contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% of GDP in 2008. With unemployment weighing on private-sector consumption, the The government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE is likely to come under increased pressure to keep the began implementing fiscal consolidation measures in early 2011, mainly reductions in expenditures, which resulted in an improved budget deficit in check while promoting economic recovery. of 3.8% of GDP. In 2012 tax revenues dropped nearly 9%, and GDP contracted. Although jobless claims continued to grow, the unemployment rate remained relatively low at 6.8 percent.

The Dutch economy is the fifth-largest sixth-largest economy in the euro-zone and is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable trade surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Dutch economy - highly dependent on an international financial sector and international trade - contracted by 3.5% in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis. The Dutch financial sector suffered, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. mortgage-backed securities. In 2008, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars of capital into other financial institutions, to prevent further deterioration of a crucial sector. The government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% in 2008. The government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE began implementing fiscal consolidation measures in early 2011, mainly reductions in expenditures, which resulted in an improved budget deficit of 3.8% of GDP. in 2011. In 2012 tax revenues dropped nearly 9%, and GDP contracted. contracted, and the budget deficit deteriorated. Although jobless claims continued to grow, the unemployment rate remained relatively low at 6.8 percent.

The Dutch economy Netherlands is the sixth-largest economy in the euro-zone and is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable trade surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the The Dutch economy - highly dependent on an international financial sector and international trade - contracted by 3.5% in 2009 suffered as a result of the global financial crisis. The Dutch financial sector suffered, crisis, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to U.S. US mortgage-backed securities. In 2008, the government nationalized two banks and injected billions of dollars of capital into other financial institutions, to prevent further deterioration of a crucial sector. The After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, the Dutch economy - highly dependent on an international financial sector and international trade - contracted by 3.5% in 2009. To recover, the government also sought to boost the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% in 2008. The government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE began implementing fiscal consolidation austerity measures in early 2011, mainly reductions in reducting expenditures, which resulted in an improved budget deficit in 2011. In However, in 2012 tax revenues dropped nearly 9%, dropped, GDP contracted, and the budget deficit deteriorated. Although jobless claims continued to grow, In 2013, the government budget deficit decreased to 3.3% of GDP due to increased government revenue from higher taxes. However, spending on social benefits also increased, due to a rise in unemployment benefits and payments for pensions. The high unemployment rate remained relatively low at 6.8 percent. and tax increases have contributed to continued decreases in household disposable income, causing the Dutch economy to contract.

Netherlands is The Netherlands, the sixth-largest economy in the euro-zone and is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, sizable trade surplus, and European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in hub, with a persistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and moderate unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. Netherlands, along with 11 underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter. The Netherlands is part of the Eurozone, and as such, its EU partners, began circulating monetary policy is controlled by the euro currency on 1 January 2002. European Central Bank. The Dutch financial sector is highly concentrated, with four commercial banks possessing over 90% of banking assets. The sector suffered as a result of the global financial crisis, due in part to the high exposure of some Dutch banks to US mortgage-backed securities. In 2008, the government nationalized two banks crisis and injected required billions of dollars of capital into other financial institutions, to prevent further deterioration of a crucial sector. After 26 years of uninterrupted economic growth, government support, but the Dutch economy - highly dependent on an international financial sector and international trade - contracted by 3.5% European Banking Authority completed stringent reviews in 2009. 2014 and deemed Dutch banks to be well-capitalized. To recover, address the 2009 and 2010 economic downturns, the government sought to boost stimulate the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credit facilities. credits. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% in 2008. The government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE began implementing has since implemented significant austerity measures in early 2011, mainly reducting expenditures, which resulted in an improved budget deficit in 2011. However, to improve public finances and has instituted broad structural reforms in 2012 tax revenues dropped, GDP contracted, key policy areas, including the labor market, the housing sector, the energy market, and the budget deficit deteriorated. In 2013, pension system. As a result, the government budget deficit decreased to 3.3% at the end of GDP due to increased government revenue from higher taxes. However, spending on social benefits also increased, due 2014 dropped to 1.8% of GDP. Following a rise in protracted recession during which unemployment benefits doubled to 7.4% and payments household consumption contracted for pensions. The high unemployment rate nearly three consecutive years, the year 2014 saw fragile GDP growth of 0.8 percent and tax increases have contributed to continued decreases a rise in most economic indicators. Drivers of growth included increased exports and business investments, as well as newly invigorated household disposable income, causing the Dutch economy to contract. consumption.

The Netherlands, the sixth-largest economy in the European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub, with a persistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and moderate unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for food-processing and underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter.
The Netherlands is part of the Eurozone, euro zone, and as such, its monetary policy is controlled by the European Central Bank. The Dutch financial sector is highly concentrated, with four commercial banks possessing over 90% of banking assets. The sector suffered as a result of the global financial crisis and required billions of dollars of government support, but the European Banking Authority completed stringent reviews in 2014 and deemed Dutch banks to be well-capitalized. To address the 2009 and 2010 economic downturns, the government sought to stimulate the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credits. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with a surplus of 0.7% in 2008.
The government of Prime Minister Mark RUTTE has since implemented significant austerity measures to improve public finances and has instituted broad structural reforms in key policy areas, including the labor market, the housing sector, the energy market, and the pension system. As a result, the government budget deficit at the end of 2014 2015 dropped to 1.8% 2% of GDP. Following a protracted recession during which unemployment doubled to 7.4% and household consumption contracted for nearly three consecutive years, the year 2014 saw fragile GDP growth of 0.8 percent 1% and a rise in most economic indicators. Growth picked up in 2015 as households boosted purchases through reduced saving. Drivers of growth included increased exports and business investments, as well as newly invigorated household consumption.

The Netherlands, the sixth-largest economy in the European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub, with a persistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and moderate low unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for food-processing and underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter.
The Netherlands is part of the euro zone, and as such, its monetary policy is controlled by the European Central Bank. The Dutch financial sector is highly concentrated, with four commercial banks possessing over 90% 80% of banking assets. The sector suffered as a result of the global financial crisis assets, and required billions of dollars of government support, but is four times the European Banking Authority completed stringent reviews in 2014 and deemed size of Dutch banks to be well-capitalized. To address the 2009 and 2010 economic downturns, GDP.
In 2008, during the government sought to stimulate financial crisis, the domestic economy by accelerating infrastructure programs, offering corporate tax breaks for employers to retain workers, and expanding export credits. The stimulus programs and bank bailouts, however, resulted in a government budget deficit of hit 5.3% of GDP in 2010 that contrasted sharply with GDP. Following a surplus of 0.7% protracted recession from 2009 to 2013, during which unemployment doubled to 7.4% and household consumption contracted for four consecutive years, economic growth began inching forward in 2008.
The government of 2014. Since 2010, Prime Minister Mark RUTTE RUTTE’s government has since implemented significant austerity measures to improve public finances and has instituted broad structural reforms in key policy areas, including the labor market, the housing sector, the energy market, and the pension system. As a result, In 2016, the government budget deficit at the end of 2015 dropped returned to 2% of GDP. Following a protracted recession during which unemployment doubled to 7.4% and household consumption contracted for nearly three consecutive years, 2014 saw fragile GDP surplus of 0.3% of GDP, with economic growth of 1% 2.1%, and a rise in most GDP per capita finally surpassed pre-crisis levels. The Dutch government projects steady but modest economic indicators. Growth picked up in 2015 as households boosted purchases through reduced saving. Drivers of growth included increased exports of 2.1% in 2017 and business investments, as well as newly invigorated household consumption. unemployment decreasing to 4.9%.

The Netherlands, the sixth-largest economy in the European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub, with a persistently consistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and low unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for food-processing and underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter.
The Netherlands is part of the euro zone, and as such, its monetary policy is controlled by the European Central Bank. The Dutch financial sector is highly concentrated, with four commercial banks possessing over 80% of banking assets, and is four times the size of Dutch GDP.
In 2008, during the financial crisis, the government budget deficit hit 5.3% of GDP. Following a protracted recession from 2009 to 2013, during which unemployment doubled to 7.4% and household consumption contracted for four consecutive years, economic growth began inching forward in 2014. Since 2010, Prime Minister Mark RUTTE’s government has implemented significant austerity measures to improve public finances and has instituted broad structural reforms in key policy areas, including the labor market, the housing sector, the energy market, and the pension system. In 2016, 2017, the government budget returned to a surplus of 0.3% 0.7% of GDP, with economic growth of 2.1%, 3.2%, and GDP per capita finally surpassed pre-crisis levels. The Dutch fiscal policy announced by the new government projects steady but modest economic growth of 2.1% in 2017 the 2018-2021 coalition plans for increases in government consumption and unemployment decreasing public investment, fueling domestic demand and household consumption and investment. The new government’s policy also plans to 4.9%. increase demand for workers in the public and private sector, forecasting a further decline in the unemployment rate, which hit 4.8% in 2017.

The Netherlands, the sixth-largest economy in the European Union, plays an important role as a European transportation hub, with a consistently high trade surplus, stable industrial relations, and low unemployment. Industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for food-processing and underpins the country’s status as the world’s second largest agricultural exporter.
The Netherlands is part of the euro zone, and as such, its monetary policy is controlled by the European Central Bank. The Dutch financial sector is highly concentrated, with four commercial banks possessing over 80% of banking assets, and is four times the size of Dutch GDP.
In 2008, during the financial crisis, the government budget deficit hit 5.3% of GDP. Following a protracted recession from 2009 to 2013, during which unemployment doubled to 7.4% and household consumption contracted for four consecutive years, economic growth began inching forward in 2014. Since 2010, Prime Minister Mark RUTTE’s government has implemented significant austerity measures to improve public finances and has instituted broad structural reforms in key policy areas, including the labor market, the housing sector, the energy market, and the pension system. In 2017, the government budget returned to a surplus of 0.7% of GDP, with economic growth of 3.2%, and GDP per capita finally surpassed pre-crisis levels. The fiscal policy announced by the new government in the 2018-2021 coalition plans for increases in government consumption and public investment, fueling domestic demand and household consumption and investment. The new government’s policy also plans to increase demand for workers in the public and private sector, forecasting a further decline in the unemployment rate, which hit 4.8% in 2017.

high-income, core EU- and eurozone-member economy; trade-oriented with strong services, logistics, and high tech sectors; exiting mild recession triggered by strongly trade-oriented with heightened risks from global tensions; declining inflation aided by easing energy prices and weak export demand; tight labor market; low wage growth; rising but manageable deficits and manageable public debt; strong ratings for innovation, competitiveness, and business climate