Dutch exports to U.S. rise 10.5% in first half of 2025 despite trade pressures

The value of Dutch exports to the United States grew 10.5 percent in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, while imports from the U.S. increased 1.0 percent, the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported Monday.

The rise in exports was primarily driven by re-exports, which surged 24.6 percent, compared with a 4.5 percent increase in goods of Dutch origin. Increased shipments in February, March, and April fueled the overall growth.

Imports from the U.S. fell 9.0 percent in May but rebounded 11.0 percent in June, reportedly mainly due to more machines, transport equipment, and chemical products entering the Netherlands.

Sector-specific data show the Netherlands exported more pharmaceuticals, specialized machinery, boats, medical devices, and communication equipment, while exports of refined mineral fuels fell, partly due to lower prices.

On the import side, Dutch companies brought in more chemical products, raw materials, and food products, with imports of alcoholic beverages and tobacco soaring 79 percent over the same period last year.

Trade trends reportedly mirrored broader EU-U.S. commerce. The European Union as a whole increased both imports and exports with the U.S. during the first half of 2025, though the pace slowed in the second quarter. CBS noted that this pattern aligned with global U.S. trade: first-quarter imports rose sharply as companies anticipated new tariffs, while second-quarter values were similar to those of the previous year.

Despite the export growth, the Netherlands ran a trade deficit with the U.S., as imported goods exceeded exports. In contrast, the EU maintained a trade surplus with the U.S., although the surplus shrank in June to its lowest level in 18 months.