The Netherlands ranks as the 17th-largest economy globally. As a key hub for international trade and transportation, the Netherlands plays a significant role in global commerce. It boasts of a highly advanced agricultural sector, making it the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products.
The 2024 Index of Economic Freedom gives the Netherlands a score of 77.3, ranking it as the 11th freest economy globally and 8th out of 44 countries in Europe.
The Netherlands is the second-largest importer and exporter of goods in the European Union, after Germany. The Netherlands was the primary trading partner of both Belgium and Germany in 2023. This is reported by CBS ahead of the European elections.The Netherlands imported goods worth 780 billion euros in 2023.
Top imports & exports
- Machinery and transport equipment
- Mineral fuels
- Food
- Clothing and footwear
- Pharmaceuticals
- Vehicles
- Optical, technical, medical apparatus
- Plastics, plastic articles
- Organic chemicals
- Iron, steel
