The Netherlands’ trade surplus narrowed to EUR 6.7 billion in May 2026, down from EUR 9.9 billion in May 2025. This was the smallest surplus since April 2023 and reflected a stronger rise in imports than in exports.
Imports increased by 8.3% year-on-year to EUR 59.2 billion, supported by higher purchases from both EU partners (+7.1%) and non-EU countries (+9.3%). By commodity group, the sharpest gains were recorded in mineral fuels and lubricants (+39.4%), chemical products (+8.0%), animal and vegetable oils (+6.5%), and beverages and tobacco (+3.3%).
Exports rose more modestly, up 2.1% to EUR 65.8 billion. This growth was driven by stronger sales to EU countries (+7.3%), while exports to non-EU destinations declined by 5.7%. Export growth was led mainly by mineral fuels and lubricants (+40.5%), chemical products (+9.5%), and raw materials (+7.0%).
Over the first five months of 2026, the Dutch trade surplus reached EUR 43.5 billion. During this period, exports edged down 0.8%, whereas imports increased by 1.4%.
