Netherlands Apparel Import and Export Data

Comprehensive Analysis of the Netherlands Apparel Import and Export Data (2025)

Introduction

The Netherlands stands as a critical player in the global apparel trade ecosystem, functioning as a gateway to European markets and a strategic distribution hub for international apparel flows. Its apparel import and export activities reflect broader trends in consumer demand, sustainability, trade policy, supply chain resilience, and the competitive dynamics of both intra-EU and extra-EU trade. The year 2025 marks a period of significant transition, driven by shifting sourcing patterns, evolving market preferences, sustainability imperatives, and ongoing disruptions in global trade frameworks. This report offers an in-depth, paragraph-driven analysis of the most recent available statistics, focusing on the volume, value, trading partners, category compositions, and notable sectoral trends of Dutch apparel trade. Drawing on data from national, European, and international sources, the report contextualizes the Netherlands' apparel trade within both domestic and international policy developments.

Overall Apparel Imports of the Netherlands in 2025

Aggregate Import Values and Volumes

In 2025, the Netherlands maintained its position as one of the top apparel importers in the European Union, with apparel imports projected to approach or slightly surpass €17.2 billion. This estimate aligns closely with the €17.3 billion reported in 2023, with average annual growth of about 2.8% since 2018, albeit with some year-to-year volatility influenced by currency fluctuations, global crises, and policy changes¹. The cumulative import volume was reported as 2.8 billion units in 2023, signalling the immense scale of Dutch demand and its role as an entry point for re-distributed goods within the EU. The period 2020-2025 was characterized by steady value growth despite declining volume-a reflection of rising unit prices, increased demand for premium and sustainable categories, and gradual structural shifts in sourcing and consumer preference.

The Dutch apparel market's total value (inclusive of both domestic consumption and re-exports) is expected to reach approximately US$20.79 billion by the close of 2025. Women's apparel constitutes the largest segment, accounting for an estimated US$12.49 billion in market volume, while non-luxury categories dominate with a 90% share, underscoring the market's focus on accessible, everyday fashion². These figures are strongly corroborated by both international trade databases and independent market insight platforms, confirming the Netherlands' role as both a lucrative retail market and a crucial conduit for goods entering the European block.

Import Categories and Product Composition

The Dutch apparel import portfolio is diverse, with the highest volume and value concentrated in:

These top import categories highlight the importance of both finished fashion (garments and footwear) and intermediary materials (fabrics, yarns, and fibers) for the Dutch textile-apparel value chain³. Notably, knit and non-knit apparel imports, when combined, form the backbone of the country’s apparel supply, closely linked to both private consumption and the pronounced role of the Netherlands as a forwarding and distribution hub throughout the EU.

There are also observable shifts towards technical textiles, eco-friendly materials, and specialty fabrics. The steady diversification into synthetic and manmade staple fibers, as well as fabrics with specific performance or sustainability features, aligns with Dutch and wider EU regulatory trends emphasizing product durability, recyclability, and lower environmental impact.

Apparel Import Categories in the Netherlands, 2025

Disaggregated Category Trends

A closer examination of Dutch apparel import categories shows significant segmentation according to target demographics and product functionalities. Key subcategories include:

·      Women’s Apparel: Coats/jackets, blazers, suits, dresses, trousers, shirts/blouses, jerseys, sweatshirts/pullovers, sports/swimwear (including performance and sports-inspired segments), nightwear, underwear, t-shirts, tights/leggings, socks, and accessories (gloves, scarves, belts, hats, leather, fur, etc.)².

·      Men’s Apparel: Coats/jackets, blazers, suits, trousers, shirts, jerseys, sportswear (including swimwear/athletic), nightwear, t-shirts, socks, and traditional accessories (belts, ties, caps, etc.).

·      Children’s Apparel: Babywear, outerwear, dresses/skirts, trousers, jerseys, sportswear, tights/leggings, socks, and assorted accessories.

The dominance of women's apparel in import value and share is a consistent trend. T-shirts, jerseys, pullovers, and sports/activewear continue to be among the largest segments by both unit volume and monetary value. Workwear and technical garments-such as high-visibility clothing and specialty uniforms-also contribute to the import landscape, albeit as a niche share compared to broad fashion apparel. The ongoing popularity of casual and athleisure wear is evident in both volume and consumption statistics, matching global trends toward versatile, comfortable, and multifunctional garments.

Import Category Trends Table

Reference: Volza, Trading Economics, Statista, updated for 2025 coverage

This category breakdown illustrates a modest decline or stagnation in yearly growth rates for top import categories, reflecting either stabilization of post-pandemic demand, the impact of rising unit prices, or conscious reduction policies (see “Dutch Textile Policy, 2025-2030” section).

Apparel Export Data of the Netherlands, 2025

Aggregate Export Values and Volumes

According to the latest available datasets, the Netherlands’ apparel export value reached approximately €15.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to maintain or slightly increase this position in 2025, with export growth averaging over 8% annually since 2018⁴. Apparel exports represent a vital fraction of the overall Dutch goods trade, which reached €850.98 billion in 2024 for all products.

The scale and dynamics of Dutch apparel exports are strongly influenced by the country’s role as a key European logistics and distribution hub. Much of what is exported is re-exported to other European countries, rather than originating from local manufacturing. The Netherlands excels in the aggregation, sorting, value addition (such as labelling/packaging), and onward movement of apparel, especially to Germany, Belgium, France, and a range of other EU destinations⁵.

Export Product Segments

Top export categories mirror the import side and are concentrated in high-volume, recurring-use product types:

These figures highlight the two-way and circular nature of Dutch apparel trade, with similar categories dominating both imports and exports but flowing in different patterns according to market opportunities, supply chain logistics, and EU re-export provisions⁶. The additional presence of luxury, technical, and sustainable garment lines in export portfolios exemplifies the sector’s responsiveness to emerging global demand niches, especially among European consumers.

Apparel Export Categories in the Netherlands, 2025

Detailed Category Breakdown

Dutch apparel export categories reflect a broad, internationalized structure, with a growing focus on sustainable and ethically produced clothing. Core product flows are as follows:

·      Women’s and Men’s Outerwear: Coats, jackets, blazers, suits-often re-exported to EU neighbours.

·      Knitwear and T-Shirts: Pullover and jersey brands frequently feature Dutch design or branding, with physical production in developing countries.

·      Nightwear, Underwear, Socks, Accessories: Reflect strong Dutch and European consumer demand for comfort, quality, and branded experience.

·      Footwear: Leather and textile-based, including premium and technical sporting goods, form a robust export sector, especially through major logistics providers such as Bleckmann and through hub operations in Rotterdam or Schiphol⁷.

·      Sustainable and Niche Garments: Dutch brands increasingly cater to international markets with sustainable, circular, or digital-only luxury items (e.g., The Fabricant’s virtual clothing, SC Fashion’s eco-luxury pieces).

This category composition underscores the Netherlands' sophisticated and agile logistics system, where companies excel at handling diverse product portfolios, rapid restocking, and responsive order fulfilment for both EU retail giants and international partners.

Key Trading Partners: Import and Export

Leading Apparel Import Partners

Data for 2025 points to an import landscape dominated by a well-established mix of regional and global players. According to the latest available and proxy sources (2023-2025):

China remains the leading supplier in volume and value, but its share has declined slightly in recent years, reflecting supply chain diversification strategies and demand-side shifts in global sourcing. Germany’s strong position highlights intra-EU supply flows, while Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Vietnam emphasize the ongoing importance of low-cost, high-volume producers, underpinned by efficient logistics and established trade treaties¹⁸.

There is also notable import value from India, Ethiopia (emerging), and the Ivory Coast (recent substantial growth in textile and raw cotton supply). The sharp decline in imports from Bangladesh and Indonesia in late 2024-early 2025 (with trade values temporarily dropping to near zero) points to either temporary policy disruptions, supply chain realignment, or compliance issues with new EU regulations⁹.

Main Apparel Importers (Corporate Level)

Prominent Dutch and international firms facilitate and shape apparel importation:

·      PRIMARK LIMITED (Germany)

·      Tommy Hilfiger Europe BV

·      ABFICO Netherlands Distribution BV

·      MUNRO BV

·      TASK INTERNATIONAL

·      C&A Buying GmbH & Co. KG¹⁰

These organizations leverage massive shipment volumes, integrated supply chains, and multi-market logistics capabilities to maintain market leadership. Some, like Bleckmann and Primex Textiles, offer crucial logistics and distribution services to hundreds of smaller apparel brands seeking entry into the European retail scene⁷.

Leading Apparel Export Partners

Netherlands’ apparel export destinations are consistent with its trade position as an EU gateway, with strong intra-EU orientation:

The top ten destinations collectively account for nearly 70% of total Dutch apparel exports-evidence of both market concentration and highly efficient logistics supporting fast, high-volume trade flows within the EU and to select major non-EU partners. Germany, Belgium, and France are particularly important, benefiting from both consumer demand and the Netherlands’ role as a logistical hub for goods in transit towards broader European markets⁵.

Historical Apparel Import and Export Trends (2020-2025)

Value and Volume Evolution

Import Trends

From 2018 through 2023, and extrapolated to 2025, Dutch apparel import values have grown on average by about 2.8% annually, while volumes have actually declined by an average of -3.8% annually¹. This paradoxical trend signals two phenomena: firstly, an upward shift in unit prices caused by higher-value, branded, or sustainable goods; and secondly, consumer and policy efforts to limit overconsumption and encourage slow fashion and secondhand use.

Export Trends

Dutch apparel exports grew by over 8% annually from 2018 to 2023, propelled by the logistics-driven re-export economy and increasing international demand for both sustainable and branded products. Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK remain constant top-ranked destinations, though export values to some non-EU countries declined in 2025 due to trade disruptions or tariff realignments¹¹⁴.

Note: Data for 2024 and 2025 are partially estimated or extrapolated based on earlier trends and provisional numbers from Eurostat and CBI EU market reports.¹

Intra-EU vs Extra-EU Apparel Trade (2025)

Trade Share and Direction

Intra-EU trade consistently represents a large majority of Dutch apparel exports (over 70% of outward flows), largely due to the Netherlands' prominent role as a continental logistics hub and the relative absence of trade barriers within the EU Single Market⁸. For imports, about 38.4% (by value) is supplied by other EU countries, while extra-EU countries cover 61.6% by value and a much larger share by volume (mostly developing countries like China, Bangladesh, and Türkiye)⁴.

This duality highlights the strategic function of Dutch ports and distribution centers (notably Rotterdam and Schiphol) in trans-shipping and re-exporting globally sourced apparel throughout Europe. Intra-EU trade is facilitated by harmonized customs rules and the virtual absence of tariffs, while extra-EU trade is shaped by both longstanding supplier relationships and recurring regulatory shifts (see “Trade Policy and Tariffs” below).

Netherlands Apparel Trade Balance (2025)

In 2025, the Netherlands maintained a moderate trade deficit specific to apparel products, with total apparel imports reaching an estimated €17.3 billion against exports valued at €15.1 billion, yielding a negative trade balance of approximately €2.2 billion⁸. This deficit is compensated at the macro level by sizable trade surpluses in other sectors, resulting in an overall national trade surplus for goods. At the sectoral level, the apparel trade deficit reflects robust domestic and regional demand for imported fashion, the internationalized nature of Dutch consumption habits, and the transition to high-value, lower-volume export flows.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Apparel Trade in 2025

Policy Drivers and Market Shifts

The sustainability agenda is highly visible within Dutch apparel trade dynamics. The Netherlands has set a national target for all textile products placed on the market to contain at least 50% sustainable materials by 2030, with a minimum of 30% of that from recycled sources. Furthermore, at least 50% of post-consumer material should be recycled⁴. The strong local advocacy scene, including organizations such as Fashion for Good, MODINT, and Cascale, and high-profile brands like MUD Jeans and Kuyichi, have helped drive this transformation.

Consumers in the Netherlands are also increasingly sustainability conscious. By 2024, about 73% considered sustainability in apparel purchases, even though this figure had slightly declined from previous years¹². Retailers and brands face growing pressure to improve traceability, supply chain transparency, chemical safety, and carbon accounting, as well as to adopt circular business models and product passports.

The Dutch Circular Textile Policy Program (2025-2030) further addresses over-consumption and production-driven business models by considering quotas and incentives for reduced production and imports¹³. The country's policy ambitions go beyond EU minimums, targeting absolute reduction in environmental impact per capita as well as product-level performance standards for durability, recyclability, and chemical management.

Major Sustainable Players and Initiatives

Leading Dutch sustainable and ethical apparel brands include G-Star, WE, C&A, H&M (strong physical and online presence), Zalando (logistics partner), and globally recognized leaders such as Nike (with headquarters and major distribution operations in the Netherlands)¹⁷. Notable certifications (e.g., GOTS) and digital innovation in sustainable fashion (The Fabricant’s virtual products, Fibersort recycling) reinforce the Dutch market’s role as an innovation hub.

Major Apparel Importers and Exporters in the Netherlands (2025)

Leading Import and Export Firms

Among the 3,529 identified garment importers in the Netherlands, notable companies include:

·      Primark Limited (Germany/Netherlands): 6,446 shipments

·      Tommy Hilfiger Europe BV (Netherlands): 4,391 shipments

·      ABFICO Netherlands Distribution BV: 3,945 shipments

·      MUNRO BV: 3,880 shipments

·      C&A: Over 2,100 shipments

In logistics, Bleckmann stands out as a specialized integrator and distributor for fashion and lifestyle brands, processing large volumes for both imported and domestic apparel supply chains. Key exporters similarly include large, branded players in premium, technical, eco-luxury, and innovative digital fashion, including SC Fashion, The Fabricant, and Koopjeshirt.nl, which demonstrate the innovations and variety in product and business models emerging from the Dutch textile sector⁷.

Apparel Trade Unit Value and Price Indices (2015 = 100)

The trend in apparel unit value indices reveals a moderate but persistent rise in prices over the 2020-2025 period. Import unit value indices for the Netherlands climbed from 117.6-121.5 in early 2025 (base year 2021 = 100), indicating a broad inflationary environment for clothing imports (driven by global cost increases and price rebalancing in premium and sustainable segments)¹⁴.

Historical indices based on previous bases (e.g., 2015 = 100) similarly show increases, with export unit value indices for the Netherlands peaking at over 132.5% in 2022 and maintaining high levels into 2024-2025¹⁵. This upward trend reflects not only product choice but also the cost of compliance with new European and Dutch eco-design and transparency standards.

Trade Policy and Tariffs Affecting Netherlands Apparel Trade in 2025

EU and National Policy Environment

As a member of the EU Customs Union, Dutch apparel trade within the EU is entirely tariff-free, incentivizing the strong intra-EU flow of apparel products. Imports from outside the EU are subject to the EU Common Customs Tariff, with general rates on textiles and clothing ranging from 8-12% (2025), which provides moderate protection for EU-based distributors and retailers¹⁶. For exports, tariffs faced in third countries vary, with US tariffs on Dutch apparel rising in 2025 (up to 15-18% on average), reflecting the effects of tit-for-tat trade negotiations between the EU and US¹⁷.

The policy environment for Dutch apparel trade is heavily influenced by overarching EU Green Deal legislation, including the Ecodesign Regulation and the Digital Product Passport, pushing the sector towards resource efficiency, circularity, and full chain traceability. These measures apply not only to producers but also to importers and re-exporters, requiring ongoing investment in data systems, supply chain integration, and compliance monitoring¹⁷.

Additionally, Dutch national policy is now explicitly considering quotas and limitations on imports as a lever to restrict overconsumption. The Circular Textile Programme for 2025-2030 reflects these ambitions-suggesting a more assertive stance than even the current EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles¹³.

Trends and Developments in Dutch Apparel Trade (2020-2025)

Market Structure and Competitive Dynamics

The Dutch apparel market remains highly competitive, with fragmentation at the brand and retailer level but significant market share held by leading international names such as Nike, ZARA, H&M, and Uniqlo. Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, along with the increasing dominance of vertically integrated retail and logistics, have continued to lower entry barriers for smaller brands while maintaining high efficiency for global players².

Online retail continues its strong ascent, with e-commerce and omni-channel strategies now integral to both import and export flows. The trend is especially prominent among younger consumers, who prioritize not only price and variety but also sustainability and product traceability.

Notable Shifts and Strategic Insights

·      There has been a sharp-if potentially transient-decline in imports from Bangladesh and Indonesia in late 2024, reflecting either trade policy shifts, compliance issues, or supply chain disruptions. Concurrently, resilience in Indian and Ethiopian exports suggests broadening sourcing strategies for Dutch buyers⁹.

·      The Netherlands is a global frontrunner in the digitization of apparel trade, with brands like The Fabricant pioneering virtual apparel exports and logistics firms offering advanced integration with digital product passports and sustainability certifications.

·      The emergence of circular business models and the imperative for recycled fiber content are reshaping procurement, with targets of 50% recycled or eco-content by 2030 increasingly built into both public and private sector strategies¹.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Dutch apparel trade sector reflects a microcosm of global industry trends: intensifying demand for value, sustainability, and digital innovation; growing regulatory complexity; and heightened competition amid evolving macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks. The data indicate sustained, though moderating, growth in import values and volumes, resilient intra-EU and extra-EU sourcing, and persistent trade deficits specific to apparel.

The Netherlands’ role as both a major consumer and strategic distribution hub will remain paramount as global apparel value chains adapt to new realities of production-driven growth, sustainability mandates, and integrated digital transparency requirements. Dutch companies and policymakers will continue to have an outsized influence on both the form and content of global best practice-especially as sustainability and circularity move from voluntary options to regulated imperatives.

The years ahead promise ongoing transformation, with Dutch apparel trade-by virtue of its scale, openness, and policy ambition-at the very forefront of shaping the sector’s European and global trajectory.

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