Dutch Trade Surplus Smallest in 3 Years

The Netherlands’ trade surplus narrowed to EUR 6.7 billion in May 2026 from EUR 9.9 billion in the same month a year earlier. This marked the smallest surplus since April 2023, as import rose 8.3% year-on-year to EUR 59.2 billion, driven by higher purchases from both EU countries (7.1%) and non-EU countries (9.3%). Among commodities, inbound shipments increased the most for mineral fuels and lubricants (+39.4%), chemical products (+8.0%), animal and vegetable oils (+6.5%), and beverages and tobacco (+3.3%). Meanwhile, exports increased at a slower pace of 2.1% to EUR 65.8 billion, attributed to stronger shipments to EU countries (7.3%), while exports to non-EU countries fell 5.7%. Export growth was primarily driven by mineral fuels and lubricants (+40.5%), chemical products (+9.5%), and raw materials (+7.0%). In the first five months of the year, the Dutch trade surplus stood at EUR 43.5 billion, as exports fell 0.8% while imports rose 1.4%.

Register a Revolut Business Account