Promoting Vietnam–Netherlands Trade and Investment: Focus on Agriculture, Logistics, and High-Tech
The Netherlands is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Europe and one of the top European investors in the country. The Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has opened up numerous new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Strengthening Cooperation in High-Value Sectors
During a meeting with Aukje de Vries, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in Hanoi on 11/11/2025, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hoàng Long emphasized that Vietnam regards the Netherlands as a key economic partner in Europe. He encouraged businesses from both countries to strengthen connections, expand investment, and promote bilateral trade toward high-value and sustainable directions.
Both sides highlighted that Vietnam–Netherlands economic and trade cooperation has developed positively and substantively. The Netherlands is the largest European trading partner for Vietnam and among the leading European investors. Both parties recognized the potential to expand cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, water management, and logistics, while promoting high-value sectors like high technology, green transformation, and sustainable development.
Trade Performance
According to Vietnam Customs, in the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam exported goods worth over USD 11.02 billion to the Netherlands, up 3.1% compared to the same period in 2024, making the Netherlands Vietnam’s top EU export market. Imports from the Netherlands reached USD 663.9 million, up 2.8%, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 11.68 billion, a 3.1% increase.
Vietnam’s main exports to the Netherlands include:
Computers, phones, cameras, and electronic products: over USD 3.83 billion (+1.59%)
Machinery and other equipment: nearly USD 1.83 billion (-11.16%)
Footwear and textiles: USD 1.49 billion and USD 1.11 billion, up 10.37% and 11.22% respectively
Agricultural products with strong growth: coffee (~USD 300 million, +87.9%), cashew (~USD 410.6 million, +21.8%), fruits and vegetables (~USD 135.7 million, +43.75%)
Imports from the Netherlands mainly include machinery and parts (USD 156.8 million, 23.6% of total imports), pharmaceuticals (~USD 76.9 million, 11.58%), chemicals and chemical products (~USD 27.8 million, 4.18%), and auto parts (~USD 47.7 million, 7.18%).
Investment Highlights
As of October 2025, the Netherlands ranked 9th in Vietnam with 466 projects totaling USD 14.93 billion among 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, leading EU countries in investment.
New Opportunities from EVFTA
The EVFTA has opened new opportunities for businesses from both countries. The Netherlands serves as a gateway to the European Union (EU), a major transshipment hub for agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables.
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Netherlands, with upcoming EVFTA tariff reductions, Vietnamese goods will gain further competitive advantages over similar products from other Asian countries. Rotterdam, as a key entry port, allows Dutch and international traders to distribute products across many EU countries.
However, the Netherlands and the EU are demanding markets with strict regulations and high standards that Vietnamese exporters must meet, particularly for agricultural and food products. Maintaining a stable market presence requires strict compliance with regulations and standards.
The Vietnam Trade Office recommends that exporters prioritize compliance with market regulations, as well as increasing attention to green and sustainable criteria imposed by EU members to protect consumers and reduce environmental impact. Packaging and labeling design that appeals to Dutch consumers is also crucial, including clear product information and user guidance, especially for new or unfamiliar products.
Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)
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