Netherlands - AgricultureNetherlands - Agriculture
Overview
Dutch importers distribute U.S. exports throughout the EU. In 2018, Dutch agricultural imports were valued at $80 billion, and much of the agricultural imports are re-exported directly or after processing and adding value. Imports from the United States totaled $3.6 billion, a record high number. The port of Rotterdam is the largest port by volume in Europe. The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of agricultural products after the United States.
For the United States, the Netherlands is the largest market within the EU for commodity and consumer-oriented products. Dutch imports of U.S. commodities increased during 2016–2018 due to increased imports of soybeans. Dutch imports of consumer-oriented food products from the United States have been stable since 2015 at 1.2 billion, driven by strong exporters of U.S. food preparations, tree nuts, and beef.
Best product prospects
Commodity / code |
Imports, 2018, $US millions |
Imports from U.S., 2018 (U.S. market share) |
Key Constraints Over Market Development |
Market Attractiveness for USA |
Oils and Fats |
5,985 |
220 |
Sustainability requirements. |
EU legislation supports the use of biofuels produced from waste fats and oils. |
Soybeans |
1,720 |
1,169 |
GM content and sustainability requirements. |
No tariff in place and GM content and sustainability accepted for most feed and fuel purposes. |
Food preparations |
1,665 |
225 |
Competition from suppliers in EU countries such as Germany, Belgium and the U.K. |
Dutch food processing needs high quality and unique food preparations such as aromas and flavorings for producing food products. |
Craft beer |
442 |
5 |
Transportation costs and time. Competition from craft beer suppliers in EU countries and general competition from wines. |
Restaurants are increasingly serving craft beer to complement different meals (craft beer - food pairing). |
Sweet potatoes |
105 |
62 |
Although declining, there is still some unfamiliarity on preparation and usage of sweet potatoes. Competition from Honduras, China, and Egypt. |
Restaurants are increasingly serving sweet potatoes. There is demand for variety and quality products. Consumers favor the U.S. Covington variety. |
Wood pellets |
88 |
1.7 |
Sustainability requirements. |
Subsidy program for power generation in place. New projects for heat generation will start. |
Chickpeas |
13 |
0.2 |
The more traditional consumer is unfamiliar with humus or usage of chickpeas. |
The younger and more traveled persons consume humus and use chickpeas in soups, salads, and meals. This market is a grow market for U.S. producers of chickpeas |
Source: World Trade Atlas