Import volumes do not automatically make companies dependent
Dutch companies source many goods from abroad, but vulnerability mainly depends on the product, supplier and available alternatives.
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High import volumes do not automatically mean that a company is tied to one country. Public CBS figures show that Dutch supply chains are closely interwoven with several European suppliers, although specific raw materials and products remain vulnerable.
The debate over import dependence is receiving renewed attention following an analysis claiming that only a limited proportion of Dutch importers are genuinely tied to one country. The precise new CPB calculation could not be independently checked when this edition was published. Its broad conclusions are, however, consistent with earlier and more recent CBS research.
The distinction lies between importing a great deal and having no alternative. A company may source a large share of its raw materials or components from abroad, yet still be able to switch to another supplier or country. Conversely, a small import volume can be risky when it concerns a unique product or a concentrated raw material.
According to CBS research into larger product groups, in 2019 the Netherlands was generally barely dependent on one or a few countries for goods with an import value of at least €250 million. At a more detailed level, exceptions do arise. A specific brand, component or material may then come almost exclusively from a single source.
Supply chains also often run through the European single market. According to CBS, in 2024, 45 per cent of the goods imports needed for Dutch exports came from EU countries. Germany and Belgium were important suppliers. For many companies, this increases the possibility of seeking alternatives within the European market, although proximity does not mean production can be relocated immediately.
The picture is less reassuring for critical materials. CBS mentions lithium, magnesium, niobium, helium and certain minerals whose supply is heavily dependent on a few countries. In such chains, geopolitical tensions, export restrictions or transport problems can quickly affect prices and delivery times.
The figures therefore call for a product-focused approach. An average import percentage for all goods says little about the risks associated with a chip, medicine or industrial raw material. Companies must map not only their direct suppliers, but also look at indirect dependence: the raw material may come through a European producer, while the original source lies outside Europe.
Policymakers face a choice between market forces and strategic direction. Diversification, stockpiles and European production can increase resilience, but also entail costs. Without the full CPB methodology, it is not yet possible to determine precisely how large the difference is between all importers and the group that genuinely has no alternative.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Dutch companies import goods and incorporate them into domestic production and exports.
- The EU was an important source of intermediate imports for Dutch exports in 2024.
- Dependence varies greatly by product and raw material.
- Some critical materials come from a limited number of countries.
Left
Arguments Wants the government to actively reduce strategic dependencies through European production, recycling, public stockpiles and requirements concerning labour and environmental standards in the supply chain.
Values Resilience, public direction, sustainability and the protection of workers and consumers.
Consequences Higher costs in the short term can be accepted in order to increase security of supply and societal oversight in the long term.
Centre
Arguments Wants risks to be measured by product and intervention to occur only where market participants cannot diversify sufficiently. European cooperation and transparent data are more important than general import restrictions.
Values Efficiency, proportionality, European cooperation and predictable policy.
Consequences Companies are given room to choose their own suppliers, while targeted support or stockpiling policies may apply to a limited group of critical goods.
Right
Arguments Emphasises that companies themselves are responsible for robust supply chains and that trade barriers could make the economy more expensive and less competitive.
Values Entrepreneurship, free trade, national economic strength and low costs.
Consequences The government should mainly improve permits, energy supply and infrastructure so that companies can develop alternatives themselves.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The figures used come from publicly available CBS publications and have been presented cautiously. The specific CPB conclusion has not been included as an independently verified figure.
- confirmed In 2024, 45 per cent of the goods imports needed for Dutch exports came from EU countries. — This percentage appears in the CBS publication Nederland Handelsland 2026. source
- confirmed In 2019, the Netherlands was generally barely dependent on one or a few countries for larger product groups. — CBS describes this for product groups with an import value of at least €250 million. source
- confirmed CBS names lithium, magnesium, niobium and helium as materials with concentrated import dependence. — These materials appear in the CBS summary on critical materials. source
- uncertain The precise new CPB calculation could not be independently checked publicly. — The headlines refer to a CPB analysis, but the full source was not freely available in the search results. source
Editor's note
The exact new CPB analysis referred to in the headline was not freely and fully available. The context and nuance are based on publicly available CBS publications; the status is therefore set to insufficient_sources.Sources
- Nederland Handelsland 2026: Export, import en investeringen — Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
- Inzet van de invoer in de Nederlandse economie — Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
- Weinig importafhankelijkheid bij grotere productgroepen — Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
- Nederlandse afhankelijkheid van kritieke materialen — Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek