The Netherlands invests in new trading partners as Trump threatens import duties: interest in China and India

Yesterday, 15:25in Domestic

The Hague - The Netherlands is investing in other trading partners now that the tense trade relationship with the US hangs like a dark cloud over our economy. The new trade policy of Minister Klever (Foreign Trade) shows that countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Brazil are being viewed with increasing interest.

Minister Klever (Foreign Trade) is looking for new trading partners for the Netherlands now that Donald Trump's import duties are hanging over our country like a thundercloud.

"International relations have rapidly become grimmer," the PVV minister observes. "The playing field is becoming rougher with striking geopolitical shocks such as the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. But there is also unrest in other places in the world." Moreover, the relationship with the United States has 'changed dramatically' in a short time after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the minister observes.

'New opportunities for Dutch companies'
Trade in Europe remains by far the most important for the Netherlands, the minister sees. "But the focus of world trade is shifting to middle-income countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Brazil. This creates new opportunities for Dutch companies. There are also trade opportunities in stable low- and middle-income countries in Africa."

The cabinet wants to focus on those countries. Klever will lead a trade mission to Indonesia before the summer. "Indonesia is rich in raw materials such as nickel, which can make our economy more resilient." Saudi Arabia will also be visited at the end of the year.

An increasing number of the Lower House also wants a trade agreement to be concluded with Latin American countries: the so-called Mercosur agreement. Klever says he will give an opinion on this when the European Commission submits the Mercosur for approval. "The leading factor here is whether the agreement is actually good for the Netherlands."

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