Germany is by far the Netherlands' most important goods export market. Together with Belgium, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, the five largest destinations accounted for 53.8% of Dutch goods export value in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands.
Europe as a whole received 76.5% of Dutch export value, while the EU27 took €439.9 billion. The numbers reflect both Dutch production and the country's large role in re-exporting goods that arrive through Rotterdam, Schiphol and distribution centres.
Germany sits at the centre of the network
Germany is the largest destination across several major product groups, including manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals and mineral fuels. Geographic proximity and dense road, rail and industrial links make the relationship unusually deep.
For Dutch companies, Germany is often the first large foreign market. For logistics firms, it is also the destination for goods that enter Europe through Dutch ports before moving east.
Re-exports change how the figures should be read
The Netherlands is a gateway economy. Goods produced elsewhere can enter through Rotterdam or Schiphol, clear Dutch customs and then be shipped to another country. CBS separates domestic exports from re-exports because the value retained in the Dutch economy is different.
Re-exports are especially important in trade with nearby Germany and Belgium. The United States has a higher share of genuinely Dutch-produced exports, which changes the economic value of a euro of trade.
Machinery and chemicals are central
Machines and equipment were the largest broad export category in 2024, followed by manufactured goods and mineral fuels. Chemical products, including pharmaceuticals, are another major source of export value.
The mix explains why semiconductor equipment, refining, chemicals, food and logistics all matter to the Dutch trade story. The country is not simply a port sitting between producers and customers.