The value of re-exports in 2022 was nearly 58 per cent higher than in the pre-pandemic year 2019. As a result, the total export value also increased, by €236.5 billion (48 per cent). Dutch companies traded more, but manufactured or processed relatively fewer goods themselves. As a result, the value of re-exports exceeded the export value of Dutch-made products by 50.4 per cent. Re-exports generate considerably lower earnings per euro of exports than domestic exports because companies add less value in re-exports, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) said in a press release.

In 2022, more than half (55 per cent) of Dutch goods exports were destined for the five main export partners—Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, and the US. Exports to nearby trading partners in particular consisted largely of re-exports. For Germany, France, Italy and Spain, the share amounted to more than 60 per cent in 2022. When looking at exports to the UK, domestic exports are most important, with re-exports accounting for 41 per cent.

Dutch goods exports to non-European destinations such as the US and China largely consist of products manufactured domestically. Distance is an important factor in this respect. The further away the destination country, the less logical it is for the Netherlands to act as a hub for trade and re-exports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)