Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 8/16/2019

U.S. firms register relatively few trade complaints in the Netherlands.  The Dutch tend to support a level playing field in trade matters.  Their long history with the benefits of trade positions the Dutch as the genuine "neutral" traders of Europe.

U.S. companies setting up a business in the Netherlands, however, will encounter a complex business culture in which companies, trade unions, government bodies, and industry associations engage in constant and close consultations.  This stems from the traditional Dutch emphasis on achieving consensus.

There is a trend, particularly with larger government procurements, to "buy European" when no Dutch products are available.  The Dutch Government sees political advantages in buying European, especially when all other criteria are equal in a bid competition.  In this regard, local representation is essential for U.S. companies who hope to win major government contracts.  A joint venture with a Dutch or European partner will improve a U.S. company's competitive position.  Companies looking to compete on Dutch Government procurement contracts should contact the U.S. Commercial Service at the Embassy early in the process for guidance and possible advocacy, particularly if there are political or "level playing field" issues at play.

Non-Dutch firms participating in defense contracts must provide 100 percent compensation for procurements over $5 million in the form of industrial participation.  The seller must arrange for the purchase of Dutch goods or permit the Netherlands to produce domestically components or subsystems for the system it is purchasing.  This does not apply to the Joint Strike Fighter, as that is a cooperative program in which the Netherlands is a development partner.

Information on agricultural trade barriers can be found at the USDA website.

To report existing or new trade barriers and request assistance in removing them, contact either the Trade Compliance Center or the U.S. Mission to the European Union.

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.