Exporting to Netherlands

Netherlands Export Guide | Trade Finance Global

Exporting to the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a densely populated nation of 17 million inhabitants on the Northwestern coast of Europe. 

International trade is a critical aspect of the Dutch economy, comprising 77.9% of the nation’s GDP. 

The Netherlands’ 2019 import flows exceeded $514 billion, with imports primarily coming from Germany, Belgium, China, USA, and Ireland. 

While the Netherlands as a whole is heavily involved in international trade, the bulk of trade volume is conducted by the nation’s larger firms. 

netherlands imports by country

The Netherlands appears to be very comfortable with digitalisation and the notion of digital banking. 

Notably, SMEs in the Netherlands rank in the upper range of their OECD counterparts on all aspects of digital readiness.

Netherlands Country Profile

Official Name (Local Language) Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
Capital Amsterdam
Population 17,016,967
Currency Euro
GDP $773.9 billion
Languages Dutch
Telephone Dial In 31

Netherlands Imports Profile

Imports ($m USD)

450,076

Number of Import Products

4,501

Number of Import Partners

225

Top 5 import partners

Country

Trade

% Partner Share

Germany

83,106

18.47

Belgium

48,176

10.70

China

40,594

9.02

United States

34,436

7.65

United Kingdom

24,011

5.33

Top 5 Import Products at HS 6 digit level

Export Product

Number

Petroleum oils, etc, (excl. crude); preparation

6.3%

Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminou

6.3%

Transmission apparatus, for radioteleph incorpo

4.5%

Parts and accessories of automatic data process

4.2%

Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products,

2.2%

Chart Showing GDP Growth Compared to rest of world

GDP Composition for Netherlands

Agriculture

%

Product List

1.6%

Vegetables, ornamentals, dairy, poultry and livestock products; propagation materials

Industry

%

Industry List

17.8%

Agro industries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing

Services

%

Services List

70.4%

Exporting to the Netherlands: what is trade finance?

Trade finance is a revolving facility which lenders offer – it enables businesses to purchase stock supplies and can help ease working capital issues.

Typically, a trade financier will fund up to 100% of the cost of the products, including charges (e.g. VAT taxes).

Trade finance offers benefits over more traditional bank finance such as invoice finance or business loans. 

Businesses are provided quick funding without it affecting existing relationships with banks.

If a company is importing or exporting stock worldwide, then a trade finance facility would help fund this by offering a letter of credit or some form of cash advance.

If an enterprise is looking to export inventory to other markets, it may require export finance, which is an agreement between the exporter and the importer. 

A trade finance bank would advance the cost of producing the stock supplies that are being exported (as a loan), either once the goods have been sent, or before they have been produced. 

Once a foreign importer has received the stock and pays for the import, the advance loan will then be repaid from the export lender over an agreed period.

Netherlands Quick Links

Information

NetherLands_Map

Exporting to Netherlands? Contact our local experts

Netherlands_Flag

Netherlands Economic Statistics

Government Website

https://www.overheid.nl/

Sovereign Ratings

https://countryeconomy.com/ratings/netherlands

Central Bank

De Nederlandsche Bank

Currency USD Exchange Rate

0.9214

Unemployment Rate

6%

Population below poverty line

8.8%

Inflation Rate

0.3%

Prime Lending Rate

0%

GDP

$773.9 billion

GDP Pro Capita (PPP)

$50,800

Currency Name

Euro

Currency Code

EUR

World Bank Classification

High Income

Competitive Industrial Performance

4/138

Corruption Perceptions Index

8/180

Ease of Doing Business

36/190

Enabling Trade Index

2/136

Currency in Netherlands

About the Author

Natasha Roston is Head of People and Growth at Trade Finance Global (TFG). 

Natasha builds partnerships with Universities and external stakeholders to improve trade education projects. She is passionate about delivering innovative learning experiences to maximize engagement.

In 2022, Natasha led TFG’s Women In Trade campaign on #BreakTheBias, writing an article on the impact of gender stereotypes for gender equality in the workplace. 

Natasha is also responsible for TFG careers, culture, and growth. A Level 2 Qualified Coach and Mental Health First Aid Champion, she leads internal training, supporting the holistic wellbeing and professional development of the team.

Natasha worked in education for over a decade before joining TFG. Initially in formal education as a history teacher, and then in leadership roles as a Director of Learning and Head of Classics. Following this, she worked in EdTech as a Learning Design Coach for Aula’s Higher Education platform.

In addition to her work at TFG, Natasha volunteers for the Young Women’s Trust as a Work It Out – CV Volunteer. 

She holds an MA from Tel Aviv University, a History PGCE from The Institute of Education and a BA from the University of Nottingham. Currently, she is studying for her Level 3 Certificate in International Trade from the Institute of Export & International Trade.

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