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

Overview

The Netherlands ranks eighteenth as a near-term export destination for U.S. defense technology according to the International Trade Administration’s 2016 Defense Top Markets Report.  The Dutch Government has committed to incrementally increase defense spending by €1.5 billion over the next five years, with a one-time increase of €1.2 billion in 2019 and an annual increase of €162 million in the following years.  Opportunities are outlined in the national plan laid out by the Ministry of Defense, which listed the top five Dutch defense priorities: the procurement of additional F-35s, reinforcement of land capabilities through investment in direct and indirect firing power, strengthening of maritime capabilities through investment in ballistic missile defense capabilities, additional enablers for their  Special Operations Forces (on ground and in air, including an additional rotary wing), the expansion of  capabilities in the cyber and information domain.    


U.S. Military Export to the Netherlands
             Unit:  USD thousands

End-Use Code

Value 2016

Value 2017

Value 2018

(50000) Military aircraft, complete

25,000

0

139

(50010) Aircraft launching gear, parachutes, etc.

5,591

5,461

3,466

(50020) Engines and turbines for military aircraft

18,434

19,965

22,309

(50030) Military trucks, armored vehicles, etc.

155

217

119

(50050) Tanks, artillery, missiles, rockets, guns, and ammunition

40,142

35,773

51,298

(50060) Military apparel and footwear

10,366

12,932

18,738

(50070) Parts for military-type goods

117,248

106,381

96,678

Total

216,963

180,229

192,747

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau - Foreign Trade Statistics.

Although total military exports to the Netherlands decreased in value from 2015 to 2017, the figures will likely increase in the future with the award of several large defense contracts to U.S. companies.


Leading Sub-Sectors

The Netherlands has numerous contracts with U.S. companies in defense technology.  As a result of the increased defense budget, there are many opportunities for military exports to the Air Force, Navy, Army, Special Operational Units, the Military Police, and the military Cyber Unit.


Opportunities

Future military opportunities are normally outlined in the Dutch Ministry of Defense’s Materiel Projects Overview (MPO).   An English version of the MPO is available on request from the U.S. Embassy The Hague Commercial Service.  The 2018 Defense White Paper offers a more precise overview of all the opportunities between 2018 and 2033.  In light of the large number of programs on the horizon, companies are advised to review the list posted here.
 

Web Resources

Market Analyses:                Global Aerospace Resource Guide 2016

                                            2016 Top Markets Report – Defense Products

Netherlands Defense Market Assessment 2017
(Available upon request from the U.S. Commercial Service)

Dutch Defense White Paper 2018

Trade Shows:                       NIDV Symposium
                                                November 28, 2019
                                                NIDV Symposium website
                                                               
Associations:                       The Netherlands Defense Manufacturers Association
                                               
The Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG)

SME Resources:                   Posted on the website of the Global Aerospace and Defense Team

Contact:                                Natasha Keylard, Commercial Specialist                                  
U.S. Commercial Service – The Netherlands
Natasha.keylard@trade.gov | +31-70-310 2279

 

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.