Imports from China down by 9 percent in March 2020

China the largest goods supplier after Germany

Fewer computers, more solar panels

Imports of a wide array of products from China slowed considerably over February and March. As for technological products, imports of computers, modems and routers declined in particular. Conversely, imports of solar panels and semiconductor components increased. Solar panel imports into the Netherlands even rose by nearly three-quarters over February and March. Among non-technological products, the main product category is clothing. Clothing imports from China fell by 37 percent in March. China is the main country of origin in Dutch imports of clothing.

Total import value also dropped sharply in March

Imports from China and Hong Kong were not the only imports that declined in March 2020. Total goods imports amounted to 36.5 billion euros, representing a year-on-year decline by over 8 percent. This was mainly caused by the sharply lower price of crude oil, with mineral fuel importers paying considerably less than one year previously. In addition, the declining imports correlated with rising economic uncertainty over the coronavirus outbreak’s global impact. For example, both consumer and producer confidence fell in March.