Future-Proof Your Supply Chain in the Netherlands
Renowned for its logistics expertise and world-class infrastructure, the Netherlands aims to be the smartest and most sustainable supply chain hub in Europe. Companies looking to embrace next-generation supply chain technologies and services find an ideal match in the Dutch ecosystem. Here’s why:
- The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top countries globally in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, a testament to the quality and efficiency of Dutch supply chain solutions. The Netherlands is also the largest maritime goods transport country in the European Union, anchored by the Dutch seaport network.
- Unique customs advantages, such as VAT deferment for imports, VAT reverse-charging and bonded warehousing regulations, enhance the Netherlands’ attractiveness as a location for supply chain operations.
- The Dutch ecosystem is embracing the future of supply chain technologies, with 83% of logistics operators in the country investing in automation and robotics.
Supply chain innovation has grown rapidly in the Netherlands, becoming a driving force for the economy and leveraging diverse areas: automation and robotization, digitalization, AI solutions, sustainable solutions and new forms of cooperation.
The Netherlands welcomes foreign companies specializing in key enabling technologies, value-added logistics and sustainable logistics to join its ecosystem and create a more connected and sustainable world.
Europe’s leading logistics location
For centuries, the Dutch have built their reputation as a global trading nation. Imports and exports move with ease through the Netherlands, benefitting from its prime market access and central location within Europe. An easy way to measure that connectivity: draw a 500 km (300 mile) radius around the Netherlands, and you gain access to 170 million consumers. Expand it to a 1000 km (600 mile) radius, and 244 million consumers are within reach. These 244 million consumers represent the bulk of EU spending power.
The Netherlands’ world-class infrastructure adds another advantage – from its robust ports, airports and roadways to its advanced digital connectivity. Plus, the country’s well-educated, English-speaking workforce brings deep expertise to supply chain operations.
Moreover, the Netherlands offers a strong business environment for logistics, with competitive costs compared to neighboring countries. Dutch laws, regulations and policies make it easy to set up operations and connect with supply chains in other European countries.
The Netherlands has become a forerunner in advancing European cooperation for value-added supply chains. The Dutch ecosystem – with its superb connectivity, both geographic and digital – acts as a central connecting hub for Western Europe, elevating the entire region as a gateway to the continent.
“170 million consumers within 500 km reach”
The Dutch ecosystem for supply chain collaboration
A forward-thinking, collaborative mindset is built into the Dutch supply chain ecosystem. The Dutch Top Sector Logistics plays an important role in stimulating innovation. It aims to maximize the competitiveness, sustainability and safety of the supply chain ecosystem by 2050. The logistics community in the country is well-organized and connected, with industry associations like the Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC), TLN and EVOFenedex facilitating networking between various players. Moreover, the HIDC acts as a bridge to help international companies entering the European market find the right fit in connecting with logistics service providers and infrastructure players in the Netherlands.
Another key player is the Dutch Institute for Advanced Logistics, known as TKI Dinalog. Tapping into the Dutch triple helix, TKI Dinalog enables companies, knowledge institutes and government to collaborate in finding solutions as part of Top Sector Logistics’ innovation program. The institute supports public-private partnerships in logistics R&D through industry matchmaking, while fueling logistics knowledge development on a national scale.
These organizations help open the door to world-class Dutch technical universities and knowledge institutions that are pioneering logistics research and innovation. As a leader in this space, national research institute TNO is pioneering new methods to advance sustainability and digitalization in logistics and sharing its knowledge with businesses.
The Dutch ecosystem for supply chain innovation is further strengthened by major transport hubs like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the Port of Rotterdam, which act as the beating heart for innovative port communities such as Amsterdam’s Cargonaut and Rotterdam’s Portbase. These organizations facilitate data-sharing and other smart solutions between stakeholders in their port clusters, building seamless, sustainable and secure cargo flows by air and sea.
Supply chains as an enabler for business expansion across industries
Thanks to all these factors, the Netherlands is a strategic choice for value-added logistics and services – whether inhouse or outsourced – and for accelerating companies’ sustainable business growth. It offers boundless opportunities for innovation within the supply chain as well as in other industries.
Companies active in the Dutch life sciences & health sector, for example, depend on the Netherlands’ highly specialized knowledge and capabilities to distribute, handle and store their products. One of them is Kite Pharma, which leverages Dutch expertise and its proximity to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to transport sensitive cell therapies across Europe. The Netherlands is also ideal for third-party logistics service providers that understand the unique requirements of life sciences & health operations. Setting up supply chain centers in the Dutch ecosystem gives these providers an advantage to offer services like temperature-controlled transportation, regulatory compliance and secure handling of sensitive medical cargo.
It’s a similar story for other industries. The Netherlands’ location and collaborative networks provide an ideal launchpad for agtech companies like Kubota to both produce and distribute their products to global markets.
In addition, the Netherlands serves as a testing ground and pilot market for key enabling technologies that are transforming supply chains. It’s why Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous robots for distribution centers, chose to open its European headquarters in Amsterdam. It’s also why software company Shipsy expanded to Rotterdam, looking to help European customers future-proof their supply chains with its AI-powered platform.
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions – Tilburg
A living lab for sustainable logistics
With its goal of achieving a circular economy by 2050, the Netherlands is dedicated to enhancing sustainability across every facet of industry supply chains. That pursuit comes with a focus on optimizing solutions across a spectrum of geopolitical, environmental and regulatory considerations.
Some of the world’s largest logistics companies, including UPS and DHL, pursue R&D in the Netherlands to develop sustainable solutions like carbon-neutral last mile delivery. They’re part of a wider network of service providers and suppliers leveraging the Dutch ecosystem as a living laboratory for green logistics.
Whether it’s supply chain optimization or zero-emission logistics, the Netherlands provides abundant opportunities to build efficient, environmentally friendly supply chains with lower carbon footprints.
For example, the thriving Dutch clean energy sector offers synchronization with supply chain operations in multiple directions: from companies looking to upgrade their deliveries with electric-powered trucks, to firms that develop smart charging solutions for trucks and other vehicles. Innovators focused on digital technologies for advanced forecasting, inventory and purchasing models can help supply chains become more resilient and thus, more sustainable. And companies with forward-thinking ideas for last-mile delivery or demand management systems can strongly contribute to reduction of “empty” kilometers in transport.
Sustainable real estate development also factors into the equation. Across the Netherlands, innovative projects and green logistics facilities are creating infrastructure that supports seamless, eco-friendly supply chains.
From leading-edge innovation to highly specialized operations, the Netherlands is where the future of supply chain solutions comes to life. Invest in the Dutch ecosystem to make the right connections, develop your ideas to their fullest potential and grow in the European market.