Modest growth Dutch exports

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that the volume of exports of goods was 1.8 percent up in November 2015 from November 2014. Growth was less substantial than in the preceding month, when exports grew by 3.9 percent. In November, exports of transport equipment and chemical, rubber and plastic products grew most noticeably. Statistics Netherlands’ Exports Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch exports were marginally better in December and January than in November. The volume of imports was 5.3 percent up in November from November 2014. In October, the year-on-year volume growth of imports was 8.1 percent.

More transport equipment, chemical, rubber and plastic products exported

In November 2015, Dutch businesses exported more transport equipment, chemical, rubber and plastic products. Exports of metal products were also firmly up from November 2014. Exports of Dutch products grew considerably.

Last week, Statistics Netherlands reported that year-on-year output realised by manufacturers of chemical, rubber and plastic products was higher than one year previously.

Circumstances for Dutch exports slightly better in January and December than in November

Statistics Netherlands’ Exports Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch exports have improved marginally in December and January relative to November. Circumstances are largely determined by developments on the markets in Germany and the eurozone, the most important markets for Dutch exports and by the competitive position of the Netherlands. On an annual basis, exchange rate developments were much more favourable in December and in January than in November. On the other hand, Dutch manufacturers were more negative about their foreign order books.