The Dutch economy grew by 10% at current prices last year, of which a quarter flowed abroad, national statistics agency CBS said on Thursday.

In 2021, the Dutch economy was boosted by income from abroad, largely in the form of dividends from companies based outside the Netherlands.

Much of the 2022 outflow was down to companies such as Shell and Unilever, which have moved their headquarters to the UK and paid out dividends there. In total companies paid out 64% more in dividends abroad last year than in 2021.

The decision to wind down gas production in Groningen also resulted in payments to foreign firms to keep Dutch gas storage up to scratch, the CBS said.

Within the Netherlands itself, half the economic growth went to households to boost their disposable income while the government’s coffers benefited by 4.5%.