Rising Prices Push Dutch Agricultural Exports to Record 137.5 Billion Euros
The Hague, Friday 16 January 2026
Exports hit a record €137.5 billion, marking ten years of growth. Notably, soaring cocoa prices drove a massive 35 per cent value spike in that sector alone.
Inflation Drives Record Value
While the headline figure of €137.5 billion represents an 8.4 per cent increase from 2024, analysts emphasize that this growth is somewhat illusory in terms of volume [1][2]. According to joint research by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS) released today, 16 January 2026, more than two-thirds of this value increase is attributable to rising prices rather than an increase in the amount of goods sold [2][3]. This marks the tenth consecutive year of export growth for the nation, yet the underlying dynamic suggests an economy grappling with significant inflationary pressures [1]. The sector generated over €49 billion in export earnings for the Dutch economy in 2025, with €43.5 billion stemming from domestically produced goods and €5.7 billion from re-exports [2][3].
The Cocoa Anomaly and Product Trends
The most striking shift in the 2025 data is the dramatic rise of cocoa and cocoa preparations. Exports in this category surged by 35 per cent to reach €12.4 billion, propelling it to become the second-most valuable export product group [2][4]. This spike was not driven by volume but by a perfect storm of supply constraints; failed harvests in West Africa and rising costs for inputs like fertiliser pushed global prices to record highs, with cocoa hitting €10,000 per tonne in March 2024 [4][5]. The Netherlands, a key global processor, saw its export values balloon as a result [5]. Meanwhile, traditional staples held their ground: dairy and eggs remained the top export category, growing by 10 per cent to €13.3 billion, while meat exports similarly rose by 10 per cent to €12.1 billion [1][2].
European Partners Drive Demand
The European Union solidified its position as the primary destination for Dutch produce, absorbing 72.9 per cent of total agricultural exports in 2025, up from 71.7 per cent the previous year [3]. Germany remains the undisputed top trading partner, with exports across the border rising by €3.6 billion—a 12 per cent increase—to a total of €34.6 billion [1]. Belgium followed with a 9 per cent increase to €17.1 billion [1]. Notably, Poland emerged as the fastest-growing market among the top ten destinations, recording a significant 24 per cent surge in export value [2][3]. Conversely, trade with non-EU nations stagnated; exports to China grew by only 5 per cent due to declining pork shipments, while trade with the United States rose by a mere 3 per cent, stifled by increased import duties [2].
A Hub Under Pressure
While export revenues are historic, the cost of doing business has risen in tandem. Agricultural imports increased by 11.3 per cent to an estimated €95.1 billion in 2025, resulting in a trade surplus of €42.4 billion [1][3]. LTO chairman Ger Koopmans warned that these figures should be viewed with caution, noting that the revenue gains on farms are largely offset by inflation and regulatory costs, meaning net margins for primary producers are not necessarily improving [6]. These figures were presented today at the Grüne Woche in Berlin, where the Netherlands is participating for the 75th time, showcasing its role as a pivotal hub in the global food chain [1].