Dutch exporters optimistic despite rising trade challenges, reveals RVO Trade Monitor 2025
Dutch entrepreneurs remain upbeat about export growth, with 45% reporting increased trade volumes in 2025. However, rising costs, digital threats, and shifting trade policies pose challenges. Discover key trends and opportunities in the latest RVO Trade Monitor.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey Participants | 1,162 internationally active Dutch entrepreneurs |
| Export Growth in 2025 | 45% saw an increase in export volume compared to 2024 |
| Challenges | Rising costs (transport, wages, energy), US trade policy, digital threats |
| Opportunities | Defence industry, positive Dutch business image abroad |
| Growth Sectors by Region | Semiconductors (Europe, Asia, North America), sports (North America) |
| Emerging Opportunities | Critical raw materials industry (North America, Canada) |
| Report Availability | Free download from RVO.nl |
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) supports Dutch businesses in international trade by providing market insights, subsidies, and networking opportunities. The Trade Monitor is a key tool for entrepreneurs to benchmark their activities and identify global trends.
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Entrepreneurs share their experiences with international business
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) will present the Trade Monitor 2025 this week. This research report provides insights into current trends and developments affecting the international activities of Dutch entrepreneurs. From today, you can download the Trade Monitor 2025.
For this study, 1,162 internationally active Dutch entrepreneurs answered questions from RVO. The report also includes figures on the services provided by the Public Economic Network. Other sources, such as Statistics Netherlands (CBS), were also used.
Annemieke Broesterhuizen, Head of International Business at RVO: "Dutch entrepreneurs are predominantly positive about their export prospects. This optimism aligns with recent developments: 45% of entrepreneurs saw an increase in export volume in 2025 compared to the previous year."
Who is the Trade Monitor for and what can you use it for?
The Trade Monitor is intended as an information resource for public and private partners of RVO, as well as for all interested entrepreneurs.
Using the information from the Trade Monitor, you can see that more entrepreneurs face challenges in international trade, just like you. These may include:
- rising costs (transport, wages, and energy);
- impact of US trade policy;
- digital threats.
However, entrepreneurs also see opportunities:
- opportunities in the defence industry;
- the positive image of the Netherlands, which helps in doing business abroad.
Trends in different continents
A large part of the Trade Monitor contains information on relevant trends and developments by region, with special attention to a number of key countries.
In Europe, for example, we see growth in the semiconductor sector. This is also the case in Asia and North America. In North America, the sports sector is also showing significant growth. In North America and Canada, there are also opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs in the critical raw materials industry.
Read more about current trends and developments in international business: