Confidence of exporters is declining sharply

For the first time in years, Dutch exporters have less confidence in the future. This is partly due to global political tensions. This is apparent from the annual 'Trends in Export' survey by Atradius and evofenedex.

The confidence of Dutch exporters has declined for the first time in years and is only getting a meager pass. The companies gave a score of 7,2 last year, but that has dropped to a figure of 6,6 this year. According to the research bureaus, this is mainly due to international political tensions.

This research shows that 2 out of 5 exporters currently sees the trade war as the biggest threat to exports. On the other hand, Dutch companies are positive about the growth prospects for their company, because they expect to achieve an average growth of 8% this year.

US trade deficit
"It is not surprising that the confidence of the exporters is declining", Bart Jan Koopman, the director of evofenedex, said in a press release. "This trade war between the United States and China seems unresolved and the US economy is clearly underperforming. For example, in 2018 the country had to deal with the largest trade deficit of the past 10 years." 

According to Koopman, Dutch exporters are dealing with the economic downturn in Germany closer to home. "When you consider the European tensions of the brexitIf you add the Italian budget deficits and the unrest in France, then there is indeed no reason for great optimism."

Growth in turnover
In contrast, the Netherlands did show positive figures in 2018. Turnover grew by an average of 9%, with 75% of the companies attributing this growth to a growing order book. In addition, the Dutch companies achieved the highest turnover growth in the European Union (EU).

As in previous years, Germany is the Netherlands' most important trading partner. Dutch exporters achieved the highest turnover growth in the United States, Poland, China, Japan and Germany. In Iran, on the other hand, there was much less turnover in 2018. Although more than 33% say they have entered new markets in 2018, they also say that this is less often the driver of sales growth.

For 2019, Eastern Europe and the Middle East are considered the most promising new markets. Following are the Baltic States, Finland and Germany. Outside of Europe, Switzerland, Norway, the United States, Russia, China and Turkey are among the most popular markets.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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