The Netherlands chemical industry is one of the world leaders when it comes to chemical research and education. These conditions, together with the Dutch culture and mentality, support a powerful chemical industry, which is a driving force for the Dutch economy. The countries location provides excellent conditions to support the chemical industry including available resources, such as salt and natural gas, excellent harbours that facilitate the import of resources and easy access to transport chemical product and by-products to the European mainland through various methods.
The Dutch chemical industry is one of the few industries that has seen an increase in production over the past years. However, as a result of the financial crisis in 2008, production levels dropped 4.7% compared to 2007. The turnover grew more than the industrial average over the last couple of years. In 2008, the turnover was €50.2 billion, 2% more than the previous year.
The Dutch chemical industry directly generates about 3% of nation's gross national product (GNP). Including indirect contribution, this industry adds approximately 10-20% to the GNP.
Approximately 60% of the turnover consists of base chemicals. Other sectors in which the Dutch chemical industry is a strong producer include: high-performance materials, coatings, paints, adhesives, inks and resins, and nutrition and nutritional ingredients. Given the ongoing weak economic environment worldwide and the uncertainty of its duration and level of severity, we cannot make an outlook for 2009.
Exports
About 75% of the export of chemical products made in the Netherlands is exported to EU27 (and 80% to total Europe). The largest export country for Dutch chemical products is Germany (20%), followed by Belgium/Luxembourg (13%). Exports, including transfer of chemical products through the Netherlands, continue to increase. In 2008 the increase was 4.5% over 2007, representing a value of €62.2 billion (Table 1).
The Dutch chemical industry generates about 17% of the total value of Dutch export goods. Internationally, the total value of Dutch chemical exports (including transfer of goods) is about 9% of the total exports from Europe, which makes this nation one of the largest exporters. Import figures also increased to €44.9 billion in 2008. The chemical industry provides a large and steadily increasing contribution that supports a positive domestic trade balance.
Employment
Direct employment has slightly decreased over the past years. As of January 2008, 66,000 people were directly employed by the chemical industry. The decrease in employment has two main causes: non-core activities are being outsourced and productivity has increased. Approximately 33% of employees in the chemical industry hold an education level of a bachelor's degree or higher.
Investments
On average, the chemical industry invests about €1.8 billion annually (€1.9 billion in 2007). The chemical production installations are relatively new, due to recent investments. Apart from that, billions of euros have been invested in the piping system that connects various production sites.
Research And Development
The Dutch chemical industry spends about 2.5% of its turnover on R&D within its own companies (about €900 billion). In addition, about €200 billion are spent on R&D. The R&D costs and innovation expenditures now cover about 25% of industrial expenditures. The Dutch Chemistry Board has developed an ambitious plan to accelerate innovation in the coming years. The ambitions include doubling the contribution of the chemical industry to the Dutch economy in 10 years (by 2017) and to halve the CO2 emissions by this industry in 25 years (by 2032). This plan has received full support by the Dutch government.
