The Netherlands’ trade surplus narrowed to EUR 8.06 billion in January 2026, down from EUR 11.05 billion in the same month a year earlier. This was the smallest surplus since August 2025 and reflected a sharper decline in exports than in imports.
Exports fell 5.1% year-on-year to EUR 61.44 billion, weighed down by weaker shipments to both EU (-3.5%) and non-EU (-7.5%) markets. The steepest declines were recorded in machinery and transport equipment (-1.4%), chemical products (-5.6%), and mineral fuels, lubricants and related products (-9.3%).
Imports decreased 3.5% year-on-year to EUR 53.38 billion, as inflows from both EU (-4.6%) and non-EU (-0.8%) trading partners also contracted. The largest drops were seen in chemical products (-10.2%), mineral fuels, lubricants and related products (-13.1%), and food and live animals (-3.3%).
