Netherlands: Trade Surplus Smallest in 3 Years.

The Netherlands’ trade surplus narrowed to EUR 6.7 billion in May 2026 from EUR 9.9 billion in the same month a year earlier. This marked the smallest surplus since April 2023, as import growth outpaced export growth. Imports rose 8.3% year-on-year to EUR 59.2 billion, driven by higher purchases from both EU countries (7.1% vs. 7.0% in April) and non-EU countries (9.3% vs. 6.2%). Meanwhile, exports increased at a slower pace of 2.1% to EUR 65.8 billion, supported by stronger shipments to EU countries (7.3% vs. 7.7%), while exports to non-EU countries fell 5.7% (vs. -0.8%).