Market Insights

BIG TRADE DATA Focus | Europe's Trade Gateway: A Guide to Developing the Dutch Market

     The Netherlands is located in the northwest of the European continent, bordering the North Sea to the north, Germany to the east, and Belgium to the south. Its latitude is similar to China's Heilongjiang Province. With convenient land, sea, and air transportation, it is a vital transportation hub within Europe.

     China and the Netherlands have a long history of trade relations. The Netherlands is China's second-largest trading partner within the European Union. From January to August 2025, the total bilateral trade in goods between China and the Netherlands reached $73.697 billion, an increase of $1.281 billion compared to the  same period last year, representing a year-on-year growth of 1.6%. Specifically, China's exports to the Netherlands totaled $62.114 billion, up 2.1% year-on-year, while China's imports from the Netherlands were $11.583 billion, down 0.6% year-on-year.

     The Netherlands is a highly developed capitalist country, known as the "Gateway to European Trade," and is a typical export-oriented economy. With high consumer spending levels and substantial market demand, it is a key overseas market for Chinese foreign trade businesses. How to develop the Dutch market? The most comprehensive guide is right here.

I. Market Overview

     In the second quarter of 2025, the Netherlands' GDP grew by 1.7% year-on-year and 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, firmly placing it among the top performers in the EU.

     The Netherlands is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Benelux Economic Union. As an EU member state, the Netherlands automatically applies trade agreements signed between the EU and third parties.

     As an EU member, goods imported from other EU member states are exempt from customs duties. Goods imported from non-EU countries are subject to import taxes and duties, following the EU's Common Customs Tariff. Tariff rates generally range between 0% and 17%. Some goods may be exempt from duties, while specific items might be subject to additional taxes (such as anti-dumping or countervailing duties).

     Import duties are exempt if the goods' value (FOB) does not exceed €150 or if the total import duty amounts to €10 or less. Value Added Tax (VAT) is exempt if the goods' value (FOB) does not exceed €22.

II. Market Characteristics

Focus on Quality and Service

     Dutch clients have very high requirements for product quality. Given their high standard of living and working conditions, they demand excellent product quality and service.

Emphasis on Green and Environmental Protection

     The Netherlands is a country that places great importance on environmental protection. There is a strong preference for eco-friendly products, and consumers are often willing to pay a premium for them. Demand for energy-efficient appliances and organic food continues to grow.

Market Diversification

     With technological advancements and evolving consumer demands, the Dutch market shows trends towards diversification and personalization. Increasing consumer focus on environmental protection and health provides opportunities for related industries.

Trend Towards Personalization and Customization

     Younger consumers show a preference for niche brands and personalized products. Segments like artisanal cheeses and custom furniture are growing at rates exceeding 10%.

III. Market Demand

Electronics

     With the continuous growth of online consumption in recent years, demand for electronics like laptops, smartphones, and smart home devices (e.g., smart speakers, cameras) is steadily increasing.

Medical and Health Products

     The aging population in the Netherlands is intensifying, with individuals aged 65 and over now accounting for 19% of the population. This has led to significant growth in demand for chronic disease management devices. Concurrently, demand for high-end medical equipment and health supplements is also rising.

Pet Supplies

     The Netherlands has a pet population of 9.5 million, with 43% of households considering pets as family members. Annual spending exceeds €1.8 billion. The pet nutrition market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12%. Pet food, pet trackers, automatic feeders, and health monitoring collars are widely popular.

Home and Lifestyle Products

     Nearly every Dutch household plants flowers and maintains gardens around their homes. Post-pandemic, spending on home-related categories in the Netherlands increased by 19%. There has been a significant rise in demand for home furnishings and decor, gardening tools, and other lifestyle products.

IV. Major Import and Export Products

     Imports:Crude oil, natural gas, mechanical and electrical equipment, medical instruments, coffee beans, mineral fuels, integrated circuits, cars and vehicle parts, etc.

     Exports:Dairy products, horticultural products, meat, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, specialized machinery, electronic equipment, traditional energy sources, etc.

     Major Trade Partners: Germany, Belgium, France, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Oman, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, etc.

V. Channels for Dutch Market Development

Search Engines

     http://www.google.com

     http://www.slider.com/

     http://www.bing.com/

Online Directories/Yellow Pages

     http://www.faxgids.nl

     http://www.businesseurope.com

     http://www.kvk.nl/zoeken

B2B Platforms

     https://www.bol.com

     https://www.Wehkamp.nl

Official External Trade and Economic Websites

     * Dutch Tax and Customs Administration: www.belastingdienst.nl

     * Dutch Import Tariff Query Website: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs

     * Government of the Netherlands: www.regering.nl/

     * Netherlands Customs: www.belastingdienst.nl

Major Trade Fairs/Exhibitions

     * International Home & Living Fair Netherlands

     * Solar Solutions International

     * Empack Netherlands

     * Amsterdam International Transport Exhibition

     * Light Exhibition Netherlands

     * Rijswijk International Fabric and Textiles Fair

     * Amsterdam International Medical Exhibition

     * Amsterdam International Theme Park & Attractions Show

     * Amsterdam Food Fair

     * Veldhoven International 3D Medical Expo

     * Utrecht International Building Materials Exhibition