Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the world’s top exporters of food and agricultural products, thanks to its highly mechanized agricultural sector and innovative agri-food technology, favourable geographic location in the heart of Europe, mild climate, and flat fertile soils. The agro-industry of the Netherlands focuses on international exports, accounting for about 21% of the country's total value of exports. Netherlands ranks first in the European Union (EU) in terms of agricultural exports, and ranks second in the world, after the United States (US). The agriculture industry also employs 4% of the Dutch labour force and produces large surpluses for the food and processing industry. Some of the food and agricultural products exported by the Netherlands include tomatoes, chilies, cucumbers, apples, flowers, flower bulbs, and fresh-cut plants.

The energy industry in the Netherlands is one of the country’s key exports and serves as a source of employment and national income. In fact, it is estimated that 25% of all natural gas reserves in the European Union (EU) are located in the Netherlands. Large natural gas deposits were discovered in the Netherlands in 1959, and has generated significant revenues for decades.
In addition to natural gas, other segments of the energy industry are important to the country’s economy. Thermal stations produce the bulk of electricity in the Netherlands. The country also has only two nuclear facilities, and 4% of the country’s electricity is produced at the Borssele Nuclear Power Station, while the nuclear reactor in Delft is a research station at Delft University of Technology. Additionally, the Netherlands is a leader in wind energy at sea, biomass processing, and greenhouse farming.

The chemical industry of the Netherlands is one of the country's leading economic sectors. The country contains the headquarters of 19 of the world leading multinational chemical companies, including Royal Dutch Shell, DSM, AkzoNobel, and BASF. The Netherlands is also home to research institutions such as the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and numerous universities. The country is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of chemical products and services, and the extensive transport network in the Netherlands makes raw materials easily accessible. Its chemical industry focuses on developing smart materials and solutions in five areas: healthcare, energy, food security, climate and resources, and transport. The industry also works across many sectors, bringing together various stakeholders to develop smart materials and new solutions.

The metallurgy industry is an important part of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands. The industry is made up of different components, such as equipment, services, consumables, and software. The metallurgy industry in the Netherlands is highly dependent upon both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques of production. The industry works together with other sectors such as energy and power, healthcare, mining, automobile, real estate, and private shipbuilding. Examples of key companies in the country's metallurgy industry include Kapco Hindustan Machine Tools, DMG Mori, Colfax, BTD Manufacturing, Atlas Copco, and Amada.
The Netherlands is among the world's top 20 largest steel exporters. In 2017, the Netherlands exported 11.3 million metric tons of steel, and in 2016, the country accounted for 2% of all global steel exports. The Netherlands exports steel to more than 160 countries and territories, and its top markets include countries in the European Union (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain).

The Netherlands is known for its rich art and historical heritage. Even though tourism is a relatively small sector in the Netherlands, it contributed to 9.6% of the country’s total employment, and 5.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012. North Holland was the most visited province by tourists in 2011, followed by South Holland. There are also seven UNESCO World Heritage sites located throughout the Netherlands.