De Nederlandsche Bank published new figures indicating that the Netherlands’ direct financial exposure to the Middle East is relatively small, even as conflict-related disruptions to routes such as the Strait of Hormuz affect global energy prices. In 2025, Dutch exports to the region totalled EUR 47 billion and imports EUR 21 billion, together accounting for less than 5% of total Dutch imports and exports. Goods imports from the Middle East were diverse but included fossil fuels as over a third of imports, while exports included products such as food and medicines, and services trade mainly comprised business services. At end-2025, the Netherlands’ direct investment position in the Middle East was EUR 157 billion and the region’s position in the Netherlands EUR 161 billion, about 3% of the Netherlands’ total direct investment position, with the strongest links with Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and a large share tied to oil and gas and conduit-company structures. Dutch portfolio investment in the region was EUR 13 billion at end-2025, less than 1% of total foreign investments, largely held by financial institutions and focused mainly on Türkiye, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2026-03-26
De Nederlandsche Bank statistics show Dutch trade and investment links with the Middle East remain limited
De Nederlandsche Bank reported that the Netherlands' direct financial exposure to the Middle East is minimal, despite global energy price impacts from regional conflicts. In 2025, Dutch exports to the Middle East were EUR 47 billion and imports EUR 21 billion, representing less than 5% of total trade. The Netherlands' direct investment in the region was EUR 157 billion, with significant ties to Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, primarily in oil, gas, and conduit-company structures.