Bigger Than You Think: The Netherlands' Global Trade Power

As a company that was founded in the Netherlands, CATTS has always been deeply connected to one of the busiest hubs of international trade. The Netherlands plays a crucial role in global commerce, with one-third of all goods entering the European Union passing through its borders. While its size may suggest otherwise, the Netherlands is a trading powerhouse, continually evolving to meet the demands of modern logistics and trade compliance.

A Gateway to Europe and Beyond

The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and busiest port, processes over 465 million tons of cargo annually, making it the beating heart of European trade.

Complementing this is Schiphol Airport, the 3^rd most internationally connected airport in the world, which handles more than 3 million packages daily, cementing the Netherlands’ role as a central logistics hub for the European market.

Located strategically near key European cities like Paris, London, and Frankfurt, goods entering the Netherlands can reach most of Western Europe in less than 24 hours, making it an indispensable gateway for businesses worldwide. Whether it’s raw materials, finished goods, or high-value electronics, the infrastructure and strategic position of the Netherlands mean it’s often the first stop for global goods entering the EU.

Brexit: A Catalyst for Growth

In recent years, the Netherlands' significance in European trade has been amplified by Brexit. With the UK no longer part of the EU, the Netherlands quickly adapted to absorb rerouted trade flows. Dutch customs authorities expanded their capacity by hiring 900 additional officers to manage the increasing volumes of goods moving between the UK and the EU.

The numbers tell the story: in 2021, trade between the UK and the Netherlands surged, and Rotterdam's port saw a 7% increase in UK-bound traffic. British businesses began to view the Netherlands as their new gateway to Europe, with over 100 UK companies relocating to the country to maintain access to the EU market.

This shift created an increase in warehousing capacity near major ports and airports, as UK firms scrambled to establish logistics hubs in the Netherlands. The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis estimated that Brexit would boost Dutch GDP by 2.3% by 2030, a sign of how pivotal the Netherlands has become in managing post-Brexit trade complexities.

Turning Complexity into Opportunity

With this strategic trade position comes complexity. The sheer volume of goods passing through the Netherlands creates unique challenges for customs authorities and businesses alike. Customs procedures in the EU are notoriously intricate, with regulations constantly evolving. Businesses that fail to comply with these rules face delays, penalties, or worse, barriers to entry into critical markets.

But with complexity comes opportunity. At CATTS, we specialize in helping companies navigate these challenges, from ensuring regulatory compliance to leveraging technology-driven solutions that streamline processes. Our roots in the Netherlands give us a deep understanding of the trade ecosystem here, enabling us to offer tailored solutions that keep businesses competitive.

Bridging the Gaps in Global Trade

As global trade expands, staying compliant and efficient becomes ever more critical. Our end-to-end trade solutions are designed to help businesses bridge gaps in customs and trade compliance, offering:

• Customs Compliance Advisory: Supporting businesses in navigating EU and international regulations, avoiding costly delays or penalties.
• Technology-Driven Solutions: From automated documentation to real-time trade analytics, we provide tools that streamline complex customs processes.
• Global Trade Optimization: Helping businesses improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt to rapidly changing regulations.

By combining our Dutch foundation with our global reach, CATTS offers unmatched expertise in managing the intricacies of customs and trade compliance.

Tomorrow’s Trade, Today’s Compliance

The future of trade is fast-paced, technology-driven, and increasingly interconnected. As the global flow of goods continues to increase, customs authorities must adapt, and so must businesses. The Netherlands' role as a central hub in European and global trade will continue to evolve, as it embraces innovation and optimizes its infrastructure for tomorrow's demands.For businesses looking to stay ahead of these developments, working with a trusted partner is crucial. CATTS provides the tools and expertise needed to not only meet today’s customs standards but to thrive in tomorrow’s global trade environment. By ensuring compliance and optimizing operations, we help businesses position themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex marketplace.