AMSTERDAM: Total exports of agricultural products for the Netherlands in 2015 amounted to 82.4 billion euros, again exceeding the previous year’s exports. Compared to 2014, this is an increase of 700 million euros (almost 1 percent). Within the European Union, Germany continues to be the most important trading partner. Agricultural exports represent 18.8 percent of total Dutch exports, which amounted to 438 billion euros in 2015.
This was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Martijn van Dam, at the Grüne Woche international agricultural fair in Berlin. The figures presented here are estimates prepared by LEI Wageningen UR. The final export figures will be published in the summer.
Minister Van Dam points out that: “The Netherlands has once again lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural products, second only to the United States. We must make every effort to retain this leading position. This will only be possible if we continue our efforts in the areas of knowledge development and innovation. There are some exemplary innovative farms in the Netherlands. For instance, four of the largest plant seed producers are based in the Netherlands.’’
European Union
The Dutch agricultural trade mainly focuses on countries within the European Union. In 2014, more than 20 billion euros (25 percent) of Dutch agricultural exports went to Germany, making it the Netherland’s main trading partner. Belgium, the United Kingdom, France and Italy respectively account for 10.3 billion euros, 8.3 billion euros, 6.9 billion euros and 3.3 billion euros. Within Europe, the Netherlands mainly exports tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.Global market
The Netherlands exports about 6.2 billion euros worth of vegetables and 4.9 billion euros worth of fruit throughout the world.
New markets
Last year, the Netherlands also opened up several new markets. Since last year, the Netherlands has exported about 9 million euros worth of onions to Indonesia and Panama. Late last year, Dutch apple and pear producers gained access to the Vietnamese market. It is expected that, within five years, exports will grow to around 7.5 million euros per year.
Largest agricultural fair
The Grüne Woche is the world’s largest international trade show for agriculture, horticulture and food. Sixty-eight countries are participating this year, and about half a million visitors are expected. The Netherlands has been represented at this fair since 1953, longer than any other foreign country. Many sectors of the agricultural and food industries are represented at the Dutch pavilion.
