Nearly a quarter of Dutch businesses delayed or dropped investment plans

Nearly a quarter of Dutch businesses delayed or abandoned planned investments in the 12 months to October 2026, while more than 48% reported obstacles to investing, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) says.

The survey found that 14.1% of businesses postponed investments, 2.5% dropped plans and 7.6% did both. A further 10% said they had no investment plans during the period. The results come from the October Netherlands Business Survey, conducted by CBS with the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Institute for Construction and business organisations MKB-Nederland and VNO-NCW.

Property letting and trading businesses reported the highest rate of postponed or abandoned plans, at 48.5%. The figure was 36.9% in hospitality and 33.1% in manufacturing. In information and communications, it was 15.2%, the lowest of the sectors listed.

Financial constraints were the most frequently cited investment obstacle, reported by 16.9% of businesses. Uncertainty about future economic policy or regulation was cited by 13.7%, and restrictions linked to current rules, permits or infrastructure by 11.1%. Respondents could select up to two obstacles.

Despite the delays, 46.5% said technology, including digitalisation and automation, was their main investment area for keeping their business fit for the future. The survey also found that overall business confidence was unchanged at -5.3 at the start of the fourth quarter.