This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/16/2019

Overview
Dutch importers distribute U.S. exports throughout the EU.  In 2018, Dutch agricultural imports were valued at $80 billion, and much of the agricultural imports are re-exported directly or after processing and adding value.  Imports from the United States totaled $3.6 billion, a record high number.  The port of Rotterdam is the largest port by volume in Europe.  The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of agricultural products after the United States. 

For the United States, the Netherlands is the largest market within the EU for commodity and consumer-oriented products.  Dutch imports of U.S. commodities increased during 2016–2018 due to increased imports of soybeans.  Dutch imports of consumer-oriented food products from the United States have been stable since 2015 at 1.2 billion, driven by strong exporters of U.S. food preparations, tree nuts, and beef.

Best product prospects

Commodity / code

Imports, 2018, $US millions

Imports from U.S., 2018 (U.S. market share)

Key Constraints Over Market Development

Market Attractiveness for USA

Oils and Fats

5,985

220
(3.7%)

Sustainability requirements.

EU legislation supports the use of biofuels produced from waste fats and oils.

Soybeans

1,720

1,169
(68%)

GM content and sustainability requirements.

No tariff in place and GM content and sustainability accepted for most feed and fuel purposes.

Food preparations
210690

1,665

225
(14%)

Competition from suppliers in EU countries such as Germany, Belgium and the U.K.

Dutch food processing needs high quality and unique food preparations such as aromas and flavorings for producing food products.

Craft beer
2203

442

5
(1%)

Transportation costs and time. Competition from craft beer suppliers in EU countries and general competition from wines.

Restaurants are increasingly serving craft beer to complement different meals (craft beer - food pairing).

Sweet potatoes
071420

105

62
(59%)

Although declining, there is still some unfamiliarity on preparation and usage of sweet potatoes.  Competition from Honduras, China, and Egypt. 

Restaurants are increasingly serving sweet potatoes.  There is demand for variety and quality products. Consumers favor the U.S. Covington variety.

Wood pellets

88

1.7
(2%)

Sustainability requirements.

Subsidy program for power generation in place.  New projects for heat generation will start.

Chickpeas
071320

13

0.2
(2%)

The more traditional consumer is unfamiliar with humus or usage of chickpeas.

The younger and more traveled persons consume humus and use chickpeas in soups, salads, and meals.  This market is a grow market for U.S. producers of chickpeas

Source:  World Trade Atlas


 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.