International trade in goods statistics changed as of 2023

24/02/2023 10:00 / Author: Miriam van der Sangen

The international trade in goods statistics describe the monthly development of the import and export of goods. The figures provide an overview of the Netherlands’ goods trade with the rest of the world and are instrumental in determining gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, the statistical results provides insight into the Netherlands’ trading position vis-à-vis the rest of the world. The figures describe which goods physically enter or leave the Netherlands and from which country the goods originate or what the destination of the goods is. The statistical population consists of all companies trading with foreign countries. As of 2023, these statistics have undergone a number of important changes.

From now on, datasets on the international trade in goods are being published in the CBS StatLine database according to two different concepts, namely change (transfer) of ownership and border crossing. Both concepts are essential in answering the question how the Netherlands is doing. For example, the concept of change of ownership is important in order to answer the question how much the Netherlands is earning from international trade in goods. The figures are also used to determine the growth rate of the domestic economy. The concept of border crossing is important in answering the question as to which goods enter and leave the Netherlands. This allows users to clarify not only the economic value, but also the impact on the physical and living environment.

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