‘Unpredictable US trade policy affected half of Dutch exporters’
Exporters from the Netherlands are increasingly facing uncertainty in international trade. US trade policy in particular is creating difficulties. New research by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) shows that half of internationally active entrepreneurs were affected by US trade measures in 2025.
According to the RVO Trade Monitor, exporters mainly experience problems due to changes in import duties and more complex customs procedures. Companies operating in North America, Asia and Australia are even more likely to report that US policies directly affect their export activities.
Exporters notice impact of trade measures
For many exporters, the United States is an important sales market. At the same time, changing trade policies make it more difficult to plan for the long term. The introduction or increase of import duties can suddenly affect product prices. Additional administrative checks at the border also cause delays and higher costs.
The survey of 1,162 entrepreneurs shows that companies are actively looking for solutions. Four in ten exporters were considering developing new markets outside the United States in 2025. This is a clear increase compared with a year earlier, when only one in five entrepreneurs considered doing so.
In addition to seeking new markets, exporters are also adjusting their strategies. For example, 24 per cent of respondents mentioned price adjustments as a measure. Other companies are opting for local partnerships in foreign markets or adjusting their production chains to spread risks.
The United States has been one of the most important export destinations for Dutch exporters for many years. Changes in US import regulations therefore have a direct impact on international trade flows.
Exporters also suffer from rising costs
It is not only political uncertainty that plays a role. More than four in ten exporters cite rising transport costs as a major economic barrier. This makes international trade more expensive and less predictable.
In addition, exporters face higher labour costs, which are mentioned by 36 per cent of entrepreneurs. Energy costs and staff shortages also weigh on the international competitiveness of Dutch companies.
Remarkably, disruptions in supply chains, which played a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now mentioned less frequently. Fewer than one in five exporters still see supply chain problems as a major obstacle.
Exporters experience increasing geopolitical uncertainty
According to the RVO, geopolitical uncertainty now outweighs many other economic factors. The war in Ukraine has had a negative impact on international activities, according to 40 per cent of exporters. Tensions in the Middle East are cited as a risk by 15 per cent.
In addition, entrepreneurs criticise the administrative burden and regulations imposed by the European Union and the Netherlands. Exporters say that rules related to sustainability and the energy transition in particular add complexity to international trade.
Companies active in global trade therefore need to operate with increasing flexibility. New trade rules, geopolitical tensions and rising costs make it necessary to constantly reconsider logistics routes and markets. For exporters, this means that international trade increasingly requires strategic planning and a strong logistics partner.
Want to know more about international logistics and export opportunities? Check out TOP's services at https://www.top.nl/export.
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