In the first half of this year, the Netherlands imported more than 11 billion euros worth of goods from the United Kingdom. That is 14 percent more than a year earlier, Statistics Netherlands has calculated.
The increase is partly because oil and gas have become more expensive. The changed trade relationship between the British and the European Union may also play a role, says the CBS. But what exactly is the influence of the brexit agreement, which took effect on January 1 of this year, is difficult to say, according to the institute.
Since the beginning of this year, many items such as computers and clothing, which are often produced in Asia, have been sent directly to the United Kingdom since the beginning of this year, while they were previously often shipped via the Netherlands. The Netherlands now imports some of those products from the United Kingdom. As a result, for example, the import of plastic and (medical) instruments and equipment has increased considerably, with amounts around 200 million euros.
Not yet at level 2019
The import value of all products did not increase, however. In the first half of 2021, for example, the Netherlands obtained fewer medicines, computer chips, fruit and vegetables from the United Kingdom.
The value of imports from the country is not yet at the level of 2019, despite the increase compared to a year ago. In this context, CBS mentions, among other things, the influence of corona and the fluctuating oil prices. In 2019, a barrel of crude oil cost more than in 2020.
–
