News item | 17-01-2025 | 08:12
In 2024, the Netherlands exported agricultural goods worth 128.9 billion euros. That is almost 5 percent more than the year before. The volume has increased slightly, but the increase is mainly the result of price developments. Dairy and eggs, ornamental plant products and meat remain the most popular export products. Dutch agricultural imports were estimated at 86.1 billion euros in 2024, an increase of 3.2% compared to 2023. This is evident from the annual research by Wageningen Social & Economic Research (WSER) and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). ) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).
“The Dutch agri-food sector is an innovative top sector of world scale. It is high time that we once again express our pride in this important sector with full conviction. It is crucial to maintain our strong international position, especially in times of geopolitical challenges.”
Femke Marije Wiersma, Minister of LVVN
“We are proud of farmers, gardeners and fishermen who work hard every day to provide the Netherlands and the world with food. Food security cannot be taken for granted. With our Dutch knowledge and expertise, we make an indispensable contribution to food security worldwide.”
Jean Rummenie, State Secretary, Ministry of LVVN
Europe’s most important trading partner
The European Union is by far the largest export market for the Netherlands, with a share of 72.2% in 2024. In 2023 this was still 71.1%. Most agricultural exports in 2024, as in previous years, will go to our neighboring countries. Of the estimated total exports, a quarter (25%) goes to Germany. Belgium is in second place with 12%.
Two-thirds of exports are Dutch-made products, which accounts for almost 90% of export earnings.
Dairy and eggs (12.3 billion euros), ornamental plant products (11.9 billion euros), meat (10.7 billion euros), cocoa and preparations (9.9 billion euros) and potatoes and vegetables (8.9 billion euros) are the most important commodity groups in exports. The top five will account for almost 42% of the total export value in 2024.
The report once again emphasizes that the Dutch agri-food sector is an important sector at an international level, characterized by innovative entrepreneurship, knowledge and expertise and a unique logistics position.