smartphone increasingly important import product

According to a recent study by Statistics Netherlands, the share of mobile phones and smartphones in total imports (European definition) in the Netherlands has more than doubled in the period 2007 to October 2014, to 2 percent. Dutch imports of mobile phones and smartphones were worth 8.7 billion euros in 2013.

Share of mobile phones and smartphones in total imports, 2007 to October 2014

Over one fifth of imports for Dutch market

Dutch sales of smartphones have been rising substantially since 2007. In terms of import value, just over one fifth of all imported mobile phones were destined for the Dutch market. The remaining phones leave the country again - some of them having undergone some form of processing - to other countries in Europe. The goods concerned are both Dutch and foreign-owned.

Festive season and new models boost imports

In spite of the economic slump, consumers continue to spend a lot of money on mobile phones and smartphones. They are apparently susceptible to new models of the main brands.  Demand for the newest products usually increases in the run-up to the festive season.
 
In October 2014 imports of mobile phones and smartphones amounted to nearly 1.2 billion euros. That is 29 percent more than in October 2013. The growth in imports in October is partly the result of the introduction of more new models.

Imports of mobile phones and smartphones, January 2007 - October 2014

More and more smartphones from China

China is becoming an increasingly important supplier of imported smartphones. Three-quarters of the import value of mobile phones and smartphones comes from China. In 2007 this was still only half.

Share of total imports by country, January 2007 - October 2014