Logistics Industry in the Netherlands

Logistics Industry in the Netherlands

Logistics covers all the knowledge needed to plan material and information flows, organize, implement and control. From raw materials to finished products. With an added value of 55 billion euros per year and 813,000 jobs, the logistics of great economic importance. In addition, the sector supports the other (top) sectors.

In 2010, the then Cabinet Rutte 1 started with the top sector policy. The government wants top sectors in which the Netherlands excels worldwide, make even stronger. Logistics is one of them, because the industry already has a strong position and growth opportunities. This means that the government is investing with companies and science focused on the sector. Logistics support exports and goods and is thus an important pillar in the attractive business climate of our country. Also The Netherlands therefore wishes to maintain its international position and expand further. This involves the handling of goods flows, as chain director of (inter) national logistics operations. And as a country with an attractive and innovative business climate for transshipment in the logistics industry.

High demands

Worldwide, the transportation of goods is growing strongly. Customers demand high quality transportation and logistics services. The transport must include as durable and fast as possible. The top sector Logistics jumping on this development in order to grow to an international top position in 2020. To achieve this ambition, innovation is necessary.

Parties involved

The top sector Logistics works together many parties, including shippers, logistics service port operators, shipping companies, knowledge institutes and government. The activities of these groups contribute fully to the strong international position of The Netherlands. With only 0.25% of the world’s population and 1% of world production The Netherlands still provides 3.7% of world trade.

Social challenge

The Dutch position as a logistics country is under pressure. There is a shortage of qualified staff at all levels. There are many medium and small businesses and low rate of innovation. Margins are under pressure and CO2 emissions must be reduced. There are many issues that have hardly changed over the past 25 years. In short, it must change and it must be durable. The top sector Logistics faces the challenge to address sustainability in the expected growth of goods flows. Logistics aims to contribute to better accessibility and reduced CO2 emissions for example by all means of transport to use as possible. And the top sector aims to attract 50% more staff for logistics training courses.

Accessibility mainports

The Netherlands is an open economy. We live traditionally in international trade and are therefore a major player in the global economy. The position of The Netherlands is unique in the world. The presence of two main ports (Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam port) and the relationship between them, provides a unique opportunity for all key sectors of The Netherlands. Opportunities that we must fully exploit. The focus of the top team Logistics is the Netherlands’ international competitiveness and thus on international logistics, supply chain management and the contribution of logistics to the business climate. An important point here is the international accessibility through the main main ports of our country (Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam port). Also national distribution that contributes to international competitiveness, fall within the focus of the top sector Logistics. The Netherlands has its own high-quality logistics system that strengthens the position of the Dutch chain management companies as credible logistics partner in global commodity flows.

Source: CBS (2014): Monitor topsectors 2015, results 2010, 2011 en 2012