THE HAGUE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) on Thursday slightly revised down its economic growth forecasts for the coming years, citing mounting global uncertainty and the effects of U.S. trade policies.
In its latest report, the CPB projects that the Dutch economy will grow by 1.7 percent in 2025 and 1.3 percent in 2026. These figures mark a modest downgrade from the February forecast, which had anticipated 1.9 percent and 1.5 percent growth respectively.
"U.S. import tariffs are having a negative impact on international trade," the CPB stated. "Combined with additional uncertainty on the global financial markets, this reduces prospects for growth in GDP in 2025 and 2026."
The report also highlighted that geopolitical uncertainty, driven by factors ranging from armed conflicts to the unpredictability of the Trump administration, is weighing on the global economy.
"To date, the effects on the Dutch economy have been limited, but the situation remains volatile," the agency noted.
Despite these concerns, CPB Director Pieter Hasekamp emphasized in a press release that the Netherlands remains in "good shape." However, he warned that major policy challenges in areas such as defense, climate, nitrogen emissions, and population aging are becoming increasingly urgent.
"It is essential that we make choices now and invest in our future earning power and general welfare," Hasekamp said. ■
