The value of Dutch agricultural exports increased by nine percent in 2011 to 73 billion euros. This means the Netherlands is now only second to the United States as a global exporter of meat, dairy, vegetables, flowers and other agricultural produce.

The latest trade figures compiled by Statistics Netherlands and the Agricultural Economics Research Institute were announced on Friday at a major agricultural fair in Berlin, where Dutch businesses traditionally occupy a prominent place.

Dutch agricultural businesses exported products worth 18.8 billion euros to Germany in 2011, with most exporters focusing on the neighbouring federal sates of North Rhine Westphalia and Lower Saxony.

Speaking at the fair, Dutch Deputy Agriculture Minister Henk Bleker said farmers and market gardeners are making an important contribution to efforts to revitalise the economy.

The Netherlands imported 48.3 billion euros in agricultural products in 2010, compared to 72.8 billion euros in exports, resulting in a trade surplus of 24.5 billion euros. The total trade surplus in 2011 was 40 billion euros.

(gsh/imm)

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