The value growth of agricultural exports is due for more than two-thirds to rising prices. The remainder is attributable to an increase in the quantities of goods exported.
The Dutch economy earns over 49 billion euros from the export of agricultural goods. Of the export earnings, 43.5 billion euros are thanks to the export of products of Dutch origin. In addition, 5.7 billion euros were earned from the re-export of agricultural goods produced abroad.
The export value of dairy and eggs (13.3 billion euros) and meat (12.1 billion euros) increased by 10 percent compared to 2024. The export of ornamental plants, such as flower bulbs, cut flowers, plants and nursery products, increased in value by 4 percent.
Cocoa and cocoa preparations (such as cocoa butter, cocoa paste, cocoa powder and chocolate) have risen again in the ranking of agricultural products (export value). This is because they have become significantly more expensive. 12.4 billion euros crossed the border, 35 percent more than the year before.
This places these products in second place among the most exported agricultural products. In 2024, this was fourth place; in 2023, cocoa and cocoa preparations just missed the top ten most exported agricultural goods.
The high cocoa price is the result of several years of poor harvests in West Africa due to bad weather conditions. In addition, the costs of crop protection agents and fertilizers have increased, making it difficult for smaller farmers to afford these costs. The result was crop disease and tree death.
Exports of agricultural products to countries outside the EU have increased less strongly. For example, exports to China increased in value by 5 percent less than in previous years. This is partly due to a slight decrease in pork exports to this country. The export of baby milk powder to China has actually increased slightly.
Exports to the United Kingdom (UK) also increased 5 percent less than average, possibly related to Brexit. Finally, exports to the US, which is under pressure due to increased American import tariffs, grew in value by only 3 percent.
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