Dutch agricultural exports grew for the tenth consecutive year

“I am proud of the Dutch agrofood sector, which has shown an impressive export value for the tenth consecutive year. It is not only our products that travel the world. Through innovative entrepreneurship and the enormous knowledge and expertise in the Netherlands about efficient and sustainable food production, we have a strong international position that is clearly visible during the annual Grüne Woche – where these figures are presented today.”

Femke Marije Wiersma - Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

In 2025, an estimated 20.7% of Dutch goods exports consisted of agricultural products. This percentage was higher than any year between 2001 and 2025. The same applies to imports: the share of agricultural goods in total goods imports in 2025 was 16.5%, the highest since measurements began. The increase in agricultural shares in imports and exports is related to higher prices for agricultural and food products compared to other products, making agricultural goods relatively more valuable in monetary terms.

“Food security is not a given. Farmers, horticulturists, and fishermen work daily to make our food supply possible, and we are proud of that. With our knowledge and innovation power, we make an indispensable contribution to food production in the Netherlands and worldwide.”

Jean Rummenie - State Secretary for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

The European Union is by far the largest export market for the Netherlands. Within Europe, we mainly export to our neighboring countries, and this increased last year: in 2025, exports to Belgium rose by 9% to 17.1 billion euros. The largest absolute export growth occurred to Germany, increasing by 3.6 billion euros in 2025 compared to 2024, a 12% rise (totaling 34.6 billion euros).

Dairy and eggs (13.3 billion euros), cocoa and cocoa preparations (12.4 billion euros), ornamental plants (12.3 billion euros), meat (12.1 billion euros), fruit (9.6 billion euros), and potatoes and vegetables (9.4 billion euros) were among the most important export product groups in 2025. The preparation and export of cocoa is a prominent growth category, driven by rising cocoa prices. After Germany, Belgium, and Poland, the Netherlands is the largest EU exporter of cocoa preparations.

This year, the Dutch agricultural export figures are again presented during Grüne Woche: the annual international agriculture and food fair in Berlin, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Netherlands is present for the 75th time at this leading fair. At the Dutch Pavilion, Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and social organizations present innovative products and services.