Importing from Netherlands

Netherlands Import Guide | Trade Finance Global

Importing from the Netherlands

The Netherlands stands as the eighth largest export economy in the world and the twentieth most complex economy as ranked by the Economic Complexity Index (ECI). 

In addition, the Netherlands is home to the Port of Rotterdam, the largest seaport by container activity outside of East Asia and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the fourth largest airport for cargo in Europe.

Lying within 500km of one third of the European Union (EU) population, its advanced transportation infrastructure has contributed to the relatively small nation’s position as 17th largest global economy, with a GDP per capita of $59,300.

netherlands exports by country

In recent years, the Netherlands exported around $535B yearly and imported around $540B, resulting in a small negative trade balance. 

In 2013 the GDP of the Netherlands was around $850B and its GDP per capita was around $46k.

The main export destinations are Germany (around $115B), Belgium-Luxembourg ($90B), the United Kingdom ($52B), France ($33B) and Italy ($26B). 

The largest exports of the Netherlands are refined petroleum (at around $76B), petroleum gas ($25B), crude petroleum ($26B), computers ($16B) and packaged medicaments ($12B).

Netherlands Country Profile

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

Netherlands Exports Profile

Exports ($m USD)

505,941

Number of Export Products

4,461

Number of Export Partners

232

Top 5 export partners

Country

Trade

% Partner Share

Germany

110,857

21.91

Belgium

51,884

10.25

United Kingdom

43,411

8.58

France

40,625

8.03

United States

22,037

4.36

Top 5 Export Products at HS 6 digit level

Export Product

Number

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

8.7%

Parts and accessories of automatic data process

3.5%

Transmission apparatus, for radioteleph incorpo

3.3%

Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products,

2.8%

Human and animal blood; microbial cultures; tox

1.9%

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%

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

Services

%

Services List

70.4%

Importing from Netherlands: What is trade finance?

It is estimated that the value of exports is over 80% of the Netherlands’ GDP a year. 

Dutch exports are dominated by a few key categories: machinery and transport equipment (28%), mineral fuels (23%), food (11%), clothing and footwear (10%), and pharmaceuticals (5%)

In order to capitalise and tap into these markets trade finance may be required. 

Trade finance is a revolving facility which lenders offer. Through this process firms are able to buy stock and can help ease the pressure from cash flow challenges.

A trade finance facility could additionally help fund the importing of goods through offering a letter of credit or some form of cash advance.

If a business is looking to import inventory from other countries it may require import finance, which is an agreement between the importer and the foreign exporter. 

netherlands exports by hs code

Netherlands Quick Links

Information

NetherLands_Map

Importing from 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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