Netherlands

The GDP growth rate plunged in 2005 at 0.7% whereas it was 1.4% in 2004. The IMF forecasts a 2% growth in 2006. This weak growth is mainly due to the deterioration of the international economic situation, especially in Germany, and to a loss of competitiveness for Dutch products. The domestic consumption and the invesment were low in 2005 (respectively +0.2% and +0.3% in 2005). External trade, high technology and services industries are the economy's pillars.

The agriculture sector accounts for 3% of the Dutch GDP. 60% of agriculture production is exported. Cereals, potatoes and horticulture are the main crops. Breeding is a significant sector. The Netherlands possess huge natural gas resources. The main industrial sectors are food-processing, chemical and petrochemical industries. Printing, publishing, electronics, pharmacy and medical equipment sectors are also sizeable. Services are predominant and generate 70% of the country's GDP.

The country's economy is very dependent on foreign trade. In terms of value, Dutch exports and imports reached 51% and 45% of the GDP respectively in 2003. The Netherlands's top three export partners are Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Its top three import partners are Germany, Belgium and the United States. The Netherlands mainly import machinery, capital goods, hydrocarbons and vehicles.