The economic context of the Netherlands

Main Sectors of Industry

The agricultural sector represents 1.7% of the country's GDP and employs 2% of the active population (World Bank, latest data available). This sector produces high yields, which is due in part to the intensive farming of arable land. Nearly 60% of the production is exported, either directly or through the food industry, making the Netherlands one of the largest exporters of agricultural products in the world: in 2025, agricultural goods exports were worth EUR 137.5 billion, representing an 8.4% increase compared to 2024. The main crops exported are cereals, potatoes and horticultural products. The Netherlands is also the largest flower exporter in the world. The number of companies active in the sector stands at 52,107 (Agricultural Census). According to the latest data by CBS, the Dutch agriculture sector's income rose by 5.1% in 2024 despite a 1.2% decline in production volume. Animal and crop production dropped by 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Higher output prices (+0.2%) and lower costs offset the decline, with total production value down 1% to EUR 41 billion.

Industrial activity generates around 18.7% of the Dutch GDP and employs 14% of the workforce. Among the main activities, there are the chemicals and petroleum sectors remain robust, with major players like Royal Dutch Shell fueling significant export revenues (the Netherlands is also one of the largest producers and distributors of oil and natural gas). Moreover, in high-tech industries, particularly semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing led by ASML, Dutch companies are global market leaders. Food processing and engineering sectors also play key roles in sustaining the country’s industrial performance. The World Bank estimates that the manufacturing sector alone accounts for 11% of the country's GDP. Data by CBS show that, in July 2026, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector rose by 9.0%, its largest year-on-year increase in four years.

Services account for over 69.6% of national revenue and employ 84% of the workforce. The services sector is focused mainly on transportation, distribution, logistics, banking and insurance, water engineering and new technologies. The country is also Europe's leading service provider in ocean freight, which is not surprising as its economy largely depends upon exports. The Dutch banking sector is pivotal to the country's economy, with assets totalling EUR 2,700 billion—nearly three times the size of its GDP. The sector is highly concentrated, with the six largest banks holding around 85% of total assets (European Banking Federation). Tourism's contribution to the Dutch economy rose to 4.0% in 2024, up from 3.9% in 2023. Value added grew across tourism-related sectors, with the industry's economic contribution reaching EUR 40.1 billion, a 9.5% increase from 2023 in current prices and above pre-pandemic 2019 levels (CBS). Concerning the retail sector, the total turnover rose by 2.1% in 2024, the lowest growth in a decade, with sales volume up 1.4%. Non-food shops grew by 3.9%, while food shops saw a 1.0% decline. Online turnover increased by 5.8%.

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