News item | 28-05-2025 | 15:00
Foreign Trade is the cornerstone of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands earns around a third of all income abroad. Foreign Trade also provides around 2.6 million full -time jobs – about a third of the total number of jobs in the Netherlands. But an open economy also makes the Netherlands vulnerable to unrest in the world markets.
The cabinet therefore opts for an assertive trade policy. First of all, what is good for our economy (prosperity) and what is important for the safety of our country (resilience).
Minister Klever: “This cabinet is opting for a strong trade policy. We are going to support prosperity and a strong, resilient economy. We will continue to support our entrepreneurs across the border and invest in promising sectors and promising markets. The Netherlands is a trading champion and together we ensure that this stays that way, also in a turbulent world.”
Promising markets and promising sectors
The Netherlands continues to invest in trusted partners and established markets where our companies are very successful. The Netherlands is also looking for new strategic partners and the government is focusing on promising markets of the future. These are countries that are expected to grow strongly economically in the coming decades. For example, through strong population growth or investments in education, research and development.
The government also focuses emphatically on promising sectors and essential key technologies, such as semiconductors (microchips), quantum technology and photonics. These technologies are not only important for the Dutch economy, but also for our safety and our leadership in the field of technology.
Agreements within the EU
In the European Union, the cabinet wants to express itself more clearly for the Dutch trade interests. For example in the conversations about trade agreements. The government is also committed to an international level playing field, so that Dutch entrepreneurs get a fair chance.
In addition, the government is focusing on a well -functioning internal European market, without unnecessary rules. The Netherlands also argues within the EU for a constructive dialogue with the United States on import duties. At the same time, we are ready to stand up for our economic interests with countermeasures if we cannot get out through dialogue.
Protect sensitive technologies
The government is committed to protecting Dutch technologies, together with the EU and international partners. In this way the export of sensitive goods or technologies is checked to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. The government is also actively pursuing knowledge safety and supervises the implementation and compliance with sanctions.
Support for Dutch companies
Support for Dutch entrepreneurs remains an important part of trade policy. For example through economic missions and by helping entrepreneurs with international tenders. The Netherlands has various subsidy and financing options available for companies that want to do business internationally. Also give Invest International and Atradius Dutch State Business Entrepreneurs an extra support to get risky projects off the ground abroad.
Connection of help, trade and investments
Finally, the government wants to connect help, trade and investments more firmly, as laid down in the Development Aid policy letter. The cabinet is focusing on collaboration with Dutch companies in stable low and middle income countries. The focus is on themes that the Netherlands is good at: food security, water management and health.