Dutch Consumer Confidence Plummets

(MENAFN) Consumer confidence in the Netherlands has experienced a steep decline as the ongoing war in the Middle East increasingly shapes expectations about household finances, according to a report by a news agency, which cited figures from CBS (Statistics Netherlands). The worsening outlook reflects growing anxiety among consumers about their economic stability.

Rising costs, particularly fuel prices, are pushing more people to delay significant purchases. Data from CBS indicates that households are becoming more cautious with spending as inflation-related worries continue to influence financial behavior.

According to CBS, consumer confidence fell to -44 in April, representing one of the most pronounced monthly drops observed in recent years. The figures highlight a rapid deterioration in public sentiment toward the economy.

“With neutral consumer confidence, the CBS measurement stands at zero. One half of the population is positive, the other half negative,” economist Frank Notten was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

He added that confidence had previously reached a record low of -59 in Sept. 2022 during the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. Notten emphasized that the latest April drop from -30 in March to -44 was “truly exceptionally high,” marking the second-largest monthly decrease since record-keeping began in 1986.

He also suggested that consumer mood is strongly influenced by global political events. “Since Trump came to power, news has been coming thick and fast, and consumer confidence seems to be following this pattern,” he said, pointing to the Middle East conflict and other international uncertainties.

MENAFN25042026000045017167ID1111030758