The Netherlands’ trade surplus narrowed to nearly EUR 8.0 billion in April 2026, down from EUR 8.6 billion in the same month a year earlier. This was the smallest surplus since August of the previous year, as imports grew more rapidly than exports. Imports increased by 7.6% year-on-year to EUR 59.8 billion, driven by higher purchases from both EU countries (up 5.7%, compared with 5.6% in March) and non-EU countries (up 9.3%, compared with 4.4%). By commodity group, the strongest gains in inbound shipments were recorded for mineral fuels and lubricants (+40.3%), chemical products (+7.9%), and beverages and tobacco (+4.4%).
Exports rose by 5.6% to EUR 67.7 billion, supported by higher sales to both EU markets (up 7.0%, versus 7.9% previously) and non-EU markets (up 3.3%, versus a 6.5% decline a year earlier). Export growth was led by mineral fuels and lubricants (+31.5%), animal and vegetable oils (+16%), and beverages and tobacco (+4.7%). Over the first three months of the year, the Dutch trade surplus amounted to EUR 37.7 million, as exports edged down 0.6% while imports increased 0.3%.
