In 2008, the Netherlands was the second most important exporting country in the EU, behind Germany. A year earlier, our country was still third. The increase in Dutch export value was also high in comparison with other EU countries. This high position can be attributed partly to the country’s important role in distribution to the European hinterland. Eurostat, source of the data, refers to this as the "Rotterdam effect". These so-called re-exports account for almost half of total Dutch exports.
Exports equal to 12 most recent EU Member States
In 2008, the Netherlands exported almost as much as the twelve new members of the EU together: about €430 billion. This trade was made up of such goods as computers, medicines and natural gas. Germany remained undisputed leader, with €994 billion. In 2008, the Netherlands passed France, at 412 billion.
Relatively high growth
In 2008, Dutch exports were 7% up on 2007. Average growth in the fifteen ‘old’ EU countries was 2%. In contrast, exports from the new EU Member States averaged 11%.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, Dutch exports were 5% lower than in 2007. However, exports in Germany (-6%), France (-7%), Belgium (-8.5%), the United Kingdom (-11%) and most other Member States fell even more sharply.
Re-exports push up exports
The high position of the Netherlands in the league table of exporting countries can be attributed partly to the important role our country plays in distribution to the European hinterland. Dutch traders buy, for example, Chinese computers via the port of Rotterdam and then sell them on to other European countries. Almost half of Dutch exports are made up of these re-exports, whereas many other countries primarily export goods produced domestically.
Exports equal to 12 most recent EU Member States
In 2008, the Netherlands exported almost as much as the twelve new members of the EU together: about €430 billion. This trade was made up of such goods as computers, medicines and natural gas. Germany remained undisputed leader, with €994 billion. In 2008, the Netherlands passed France, at 412 billion.
Relatively high growth
In 2008, Dutch exports were 7% up on 2007. Average growth in the fifteen ‘old’ EU countries was 2%. In contrast, exports from the new EU Member States averaged 11%.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, Dutch exports were 5% lower than in 2007. However, exports in Germany (-6%), France (-7%), Belgium (-8.5%), the United Kingdom (-11%) and most other Member States fell even more sharply.
Re-exports push up exports
The high position of the Netherlands in the league table of exporting countries can be attributed partly to the important role our country plays in distribution to the European hinterland. Dutch traders buy, for example, Chinese computers via the port of Rotterdam and then sell them on to other European countries. Almost half of Dutch exports are made up of these re-exports, whereas many other countries primarily export goods produced domestically.