Business Survey Netherlands (COEN)
Every quarter year, the Conjunctuurenquête Nederland questions entrepreneurs on topics that concern them. Topics such as turnover developments, profitability, investments, and staff. Included are questions about experiences in the past quarter and expectations for the current quarter. The business confidence survey combines various of these topics to identify an overall sentiment. It is available for the whole of the Netherlands, all business sectors, regions, and company sizes.
Business survey - 4th quarter of 2025
Business confidence has been negative for the sixteenth consecutive quarter and stands at -4.0 in the 4th quarter of 2025. This is virtually unchanged from the previous quarter (-3.8). Business confidence is almost at the average (-3.7) for the series since 2012. Only in the information and communication business sector is business confidence positive. Confidence is most negative in agriculture, forestry and fishing, and in rental and selling of real estate.
Business confidence declined slightly from -3.8 to -4.0 in the 4th quarter of 2025. Business confidence is relatively highest in Information and Communication (1.3), Business services (-1.4), and Construction (-2.9). Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, forestry and fishing (-16.7), Renting, buying, selling real estate (-9.4), and Accomodation and food serving (-8.4) are relatively the most negative.
Business confidence declined slightly from -3.8 to -4.0 in the 4th quarter of 2025. Business confidence is relatively highest in Information and Communication (1.3), Business services (-1.4), and Construction (-2.9). Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, forestry and fishing (-16.7), Renting, buying, selling real estate (-9.4), and Accomodation and food serving (-8.4) are relatively the most negative.
On balance, entrepreneurs are positive about turnover (19.1%), sales prices/rates (16.2%), purchase orders (8.5%), staffing levels (5.2%), and investments (2.2%) in the 4th quarter of 2025. On balance, entrepreneurs are pessimistic about the economic climate (-3.6%).
On balance, entrepreneurs are positive about turnover (19.1%), sales prices/rates (16.2%), purchase orders (8.5%), staffing levels (5.2%), and investments (2.2%) in the 4th quarter of 2025. On balance, entrepreneurs are pessimistic about the economic climate (-3.6%).
33.3% of entrepreneurs experience a labour shortage. Other obstacles include insufficient demand (21.8%), financial limitations (10.4%), a shortage of production resources, materials and space (6.0%), weather conditions (5.2%) or other reasons (13.3%). 33.4% experience no obstacles.
The various obstacles now add up to more than 100%. Entrepreneurs can give a maximum of 2 answers to the obstacle question, and previously the total percentage was normalised to 100%. This is no longer done, so that the percentage represents the share of entrepreneurs who selected this obstacle.
33.3% of entrepreneurs experience a labour shortage. Other obstacles include insufficient demand (21.8%), financial limitations (10.4%), a shortage of production resources, materials and space (6.0%), weather conditions (5.2%) or other reasons (13.3%). 33.4% experience no obstacles.
The various obstacles now add up to more than 100%. Entrepreneurs can give a maximum of 2 answers to the obstacle question, and previously the total percentage was normalised to 100%. This is no longer done, so that the percentage represents the share of entrepreneurs who selected this obstacle.
For next year, more entrepreneurs expect an increase in turnover compared to those who expect a decrease. The balance is positive by 23.1%. Similarly, more entrepreneurs expect an increase in staffing levels in the coming year than a decrease. However, at just over 8% the balance is less positive than for expected turnover. For 2026, on balance, just over 3% of entrepreneurs expect to invest more compared to 2025.
For next year, more entrepreneurs expect an increase in turnover compared to those who expect a decrease. The balance is positive by 23.1%. Similarly, more entrepreneurs expect an increase in staffing levels in the coming year than a decrease. However, at just over 8% the balance is less positive than for expected turnover. For 2026, on balance, just over 3% of entrepreneurs expect to invest more compared to 2025.
Providing your data to CBS
You can submit your data for COEN via My CBS (in Dutch). My CBS is a new, clear portal for businesses and organisations. In My CBS, you can view your surveys, submit the requested data and easily change your contact details. My CBS also contains information about your business sector.