Strong growth in Dutch exports

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The total volume of goods exports grew by 5.6 percent in January 2016 compared to the same month last year. This was a more substantial increase than one month earlier (1.5 percent). In January, exports of transport equipment grew most noticeably. The CBS Exports Radar indicates that March has a less favourable outlook than January. As for imports, the total volume was 9.4 percent up in January from one year previously, with particular increases in petroleum and natural gas imports.

More transport equipment exported

In January 2016, Dutch manufacturers mainly exported more transport equipment such as ships and cars. They also exported more petroleum and chemical products as well as electrotechnical equipment. Last week, CBS reported a sustained year-on-year growth in the Dutch manufacturing industry.

Circumstances for Dutch exports less favourable in March

As shown by the CBS Exports Radar, circumstances for Dutch exports are on balance less favourable in February and March. They are mainly determined by developments on major Dutch export markets and by the Netherlands’ competitive position. The radar for March shows that the year-on-year exchange rate development is less favourable than in January. On the other hand, the year-on-year development of Germany’s manufacturing output is more favourable.

The numbers in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted.

Sources