The provinces of Noord-Brabant and Zeeland have been hardest hit by the economic crisis so far, according to ING researchers.

The economy of Noord-Brabant will shrink by 5.8% this year, while in Zeeland the crisis will generate a 6.4% reduction. The Dutch economy as a whole will shrink by 4.6%, the ING economists said.
The southern provinces will be harder hit because of their industrial base. Areas with a focus on business services are being less affected, the ING report said. Zeeland in particular has a high concentration of internationally-orientated chemicals companies.