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Netherlands
(information)
Population as of 2020: 17 million 67 of 193
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Region: Scandinavia
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $1.228 trillion 19 of 193
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Top Exports
The Netherlands exported roughly **$900–950 billion in goods in 2024**, making it one of the world’s largest exporters. Its export profile is unique because it combines **high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, energy refining, and massive re-export trade through Rotterdam**. | Rank | Export Category | Notes | | ---- | ---------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Mineral fuels (refined petroleum products)** | Largest category; major refining and trading hub. | | 2 | **Machinery (industrial equipment)** | Includes advanced manufacturing equipment. | | 3 | **Electrical machinery & electronics** | Semiconductors and electronic equipment. | | 4 | **Pharmaceuticals** | Strong life sciences sector. | | 5 | **Chemicals (organic & inorganic)** | Large petrochemical industry. | | 6 | **Food & agricultural products** | One of the world’s top agricultural exporters. | | 7 | **Plastics & plastic articles** | Industrial materials. | | 8 | **Optical, medical & precision instruments** | High-tech equipment. | | 9 | **Vehicles & automotive parts** | Cars and components (often re-exports). | | 10 | **Metals (iron, steel, aluminum)** | Industrial materials. | Key individual export products (by value) | Rank | Product | Estimated Value (USD) | | ---- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | | 11 | **Refined petroleum products** | ~$120–150 billion | | 12 | **Crude petroleum (re-exports)** | ~$50–80 billion | | 13 | **Natural gas** | ~$30–50 billion | | 14 | **Semiconductor manufacturing equipment** | ~$40–60 billion (ASML is a global leader) | | 15 | **Medicaments (pharmaceuticals)** | ~$40–60 billion | | 16 | **Computers & electronics** | ~$30–50 billion | | 17 | **Plastics in primary forms** | ~$30–40 billion | | 18 | **Flowers & horticultural products** | ~$10–20 billion (world’s largest exporter) | | 19 | **Dairy products** | ~$10–20 billion | | 20 | **Vegetables & agricultural produce** | ~$10–20 billion | Key Takeaways * **Global trade hub:** A large share of exports are **re-exports** via the Port of Rotterdam. * **Energy & refining center:** Major exporter of **refined fuels and traded oil products**. * **High-tech leadership:** Home to **ASML**, a key supplier of semiconductor equipment. * **Agricultural powerhouse:** Despite its size, the Netherlands is one of the **world’s top food exporters**. Top Importers of Netherlands’ Exports | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Germany** | Largest partner; fuels, machinery, chemicals, re-exports. | | 2 | **Belgium** | Close integration; chemicals, energy, and industrial goods. | | 3 | **France** | Fuels, machinery, and agricultural products. | | 4 | **United Kingdom** | Energy products, machinery, and food exports. | | 5 | **United States** | Pharmaceuticals, machinery, and high-tech goods. | | 6 | **Italy** | Industrial goods, fuels, and chemicals. | | 7 | **Spain** | Fuels, machinery, and agricultural products. | | 8 | **Poland** | Growing EU partner; machinery and industrial goods. | | 9 | **China** | High-tech equipment and chemicals. | | 10 | **Sweden** | Machinery, fuels, and industrial products. | Key Patterns * **EU dominates heavily**: * Most top partners are **European countries**, reflecting the Netherlands’ role within the EU single market. * **Germany is #1**: * Deep industrial integration and proximity make Germany the largest destination. * **Re-export hub effect**: * Many exports passing through the Netherlands are **redistributed across Europe**. * **Global reach**: * The **U.S. and China** are key non-European markets, especially for **high-tech and pharmaceutical exports**.
