Dutch exports rise in January: raw materials and textiles lead growth
Dutch goods exports grew by 1.1% in January compared to last year, driven by higher sales of raw materials and textiles. However, food and machinery exports declined, while imports surged by 5%. These shifts could influence prices and supply chains for businesses and consumers alike.
| Category | Change (Jan 2026 vs. Jan 2025) |
|---|---|
| Goods exports (total) | +1.1% |
| Raw materials exports | ↑ |
| Textiles and clothing exports | ↑ |
| Food and beverages exports | ↓ |
| Machinery exports | ↓ |
| Goods imports (total) | +5.0% |
| Raw materials imports | ↑ |
| Electrical machinery imports | ↑ |
| Transport equipment imports | ↑ |
| Export conditions (March) | Less unfavourable than January |
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) monitors economic trends, including trade flows, to inform government policy and business decisions. These monthly export figures help assess the Netherlands' economic health and competitiveness in global markets.
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Exports grow by over 1 percent in January
The volume (adjusted for working days) of goods exports was 1.1 percent higher in January than in January 2025, according to provisional figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Companies exported particularly more raw materials and textiles and clothing. However, exports of food and beverages and machinery were lower. The volume of goods imports was 5.0 percent higher in January than in January 2025. There were, among other things, more imports of raw materials, electrical machinery, transport equipment and machinery.
Export conditions in March less unfavourable than in January
Statistics Netherlands also publishes monthly figures on a number of conditions for exports in the Export Conditions visualisation. The conditions are largely determined by developments in the main export markets for Dutch exports and by changes in the Netherlands' competitive position. The indicators in the visualisation correlate well with exports, but an improvement in conditions does not necessarily mean higher export growth.
In March, export conditions were less unfavourable than in January. This was mainly due to the producer confidence in the eurozone and Germany being less negative.
Goods exports account for about three-quarters of total exports. Statistics Netherlands does not report on services exports on a monthly basis. Information on total exports is published on a quarterly and annual basis. The figures in this report are provisional and may be revised.
Sources
- StatLine - Imports and exports by ownership transfer
Relevant links
- Visualisation - Export Conditions
- Dossier - Economic trends