The Dutch economy has changed considerably in the last 20 years. Today, nearly half of the Dutch GDP is generated by commercial services. Moreover, the economy has become increasingly internationally oriented with more goods and services being sold abroad and more are imported from other countries. Since 1980 imports and exports have grown by much more than GDP. Part of this growth was caused by the substantial increase in re-exports. Partly on account of its geographical location, the Netherlands successfully carved itself an important role as the distribution center in Europe.

The Netherlands has traditionally always been a trading nation with extensive import and exports flows. From 1980 to 2003, the value of Dutch exports rose from 67 to 232 billion euro. Imports grew more slowly from 69 to 204 billion euro.

Main export markets for Dutch goods are Eastern Europe and USA. The EU has also been a dominat importer, with imports from Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America becoming increasingly important.

GDP (2004)  444 billion Euro
GDP growth rate (2004) : 1.25%
Inflation rate (2004) 1.25 % 
Population: 16.3 million
Share of sectors in GDP

Agriculture: 2.5%
Industry: 14.6%
Services: 55%
(source: CBS 2004)

For an indepth overview of the Dutch economy, please visit the following websites with English information:

EVD-Agency for International Business & Co-operation :   www.hollandtrade.com
This website, accessible in English and other languages, consists of articles about the Dutch economy with detailed factsheets on specific economic sectors (e.g food and agriculture, watersector, environment).

The EVD - agency also supports a database of contacts of Dutch Exporters and Traders at :   www.hollandexports.com

Dutch Statistical Office (CBS):   www.cbs.nl

Office for Science and Technology

 The Office for Science and Technology is a division of the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs. It provides support to the government and the business world in the quest for technical-scientific information and endeavours to establish international contacts. The Dutch language website offers information about the scope of the Office for Science and Technology. You can the office for science and technology via the Embassy.

Dutch Customs Department

For general questions concerning the customs, you may contact the following authorities:

General information regarding import of goods, specific tariffs/taxes/duties, please telephone: 31- 45- 5743031
General information regarding the Dutch tax service including sales and income tax:31-555 385385
More information can also be found at:

Dutch Customs :   www.douane.nl

Dutch Tax Service:   www.belastingdienst.nl