95% of Dutch exporters concerned about international trade policy: CBS

This figure is an increase from 41 per cent in March 2023.

Changes in trade policy will mainly affect how much is exported, according to the May 2025 survey of manufacturing companies.

Nearly four-fifths of manufacturing companies in the Netherlands are exporters.

Around 77 per cent of Dutch exporting manufacturers identify import tariffs as one of the most concerning aspects of international trade policy over the next 12 months. In March 2023, less than 10 per cent did so.

Over 26 per cent of such companies believe that non-tariff measures will negatively affect their exports, and 15 per cent have concerns about sustainability guidelines and requirements.

Companies in the refineries and the chemical industry are the most likely to indicate that they have concerns about trade sanctions, a CBS release said.

Only 8 per cent of exporting manufacturers believe that changes in trade policy will not affect their exports, compared to 47 per cent in March 2023. Of those that do expect to see an impact, 40 per cent are mainly concerned about a change in export volume. That is nearly twice as many as in March 2023 (23 per cent).

Additionally, 9 per cent of companies indicated that policy changes would mainly affect their pricing.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)