The Netherlands Is Houston’s #1 Trade Partner - What’s Next?
Drs. Jan Luc Blakborn- May 5
- 5 min read
In 2024, the Netherlands became Houston’s top international trade partner, surpassing countries such as China, Mexico, and Brazil with a bilateral trade value of $31.9 billion - up from just $8.5 billion in 2015, marking a 275% increase over the past decade. This milestone, driven largely by energy flows, marks a deep and dynamic transatlantic relationship between one of Europe’s most globally connected economies and one of America’s most future-focused cities. Yet, while this economic alliance is already significant in scale, it also reveals a broader opportunity: the potential for Dutch industry and innovation to embed more deeply within the Texan economy - and in doing so, further cement the Netherlands' strategic presence across North America.
Beyond the Barrel: Trade Ties with Scale
More than 83% of the Netherlands-Houston trade volume - approximately $26.6 billion - is energy-related. Crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals dominate the cargo moving between the Port of Houston and the Port of Rotterdam. These two ports are not only the largest in their respective regions but also form an axis of industrial value chains stretching from the Gulf Coast to Western Europe.
Trade growth has outpaced most of Houston’s other global partners, with the Netherlands now representing nearly 8% of all trade conducted through the Houston-Galveston Customs District, which itself handled $376 billion in total trade in 2024. This expanding role goes beyond hydrocarbons and signals a diversification trend in goods and services that underpin a more complex economic relationship.
From Strength to Synergy: The Strategic Fit
Both the Netherlands and Houston function as international trade gateways - Rotterdam for Europe, Houston for the Americas. With Houston’s port ranking as the #1 U.S. port in foreign waterborne tonnage and the #2 in overall tonnage, and Rotterdam handling over 467 million metric tons annually, both regions possess logistics ecosystems capable of enabling high-velocity commerce.
Houston is the largest U.S. city without zoning laws, accelerating infrastructure projects that are often bogged down in other American cities. Over the past years, Houston has committed several billion dollars in urban development and infrastructure modernization programs, including stormwater tunnels, port electrification, and green industrial zones.
Meanwhile, Dutch global leadership in maritime engineering, urban water management, and sustainable construction gives companies a proven edge in addressing many of the same challenges Houston now faces due to climate change, population growth, and industrial expansion.
Houston’s labor force reflects its global ambition: the metro’s population passed 7.5 million in 2024, and nearly 1.8 million residents are foreign-born - one of the highest shares among U.S. metros. Houston is also home to more than 80 foreign consulates, including a Dutch Honorary Consul, and close to 40 international chambers of commerce.
Innovation Frontiers: Where the Netherlands Can Scale
Houston’s emerging sectors align naturally with Dutch strengths - particularly where infrastructure, sustainability, and smart systems meet.
Flood resilience remains an existential priority for Houston. Hurricane Harvey alone caused $125 billion in damage, and the region faces an average of 50+ flood events annually. Local authorities and private partners have committed significant funds to flood mitigation projects. Also, many Houston projects are part of the Texas State Flood Plan. These types of efforts align directly with Dutch strengths in adaptive urban infrastructure, delta planning, and water safety.
Port digitization is accelerating. In 2024, the Port of Houston handled over 432 million metric tons of cargo and is investing $1.7 billion into modernization efforts for the next five years. These include smart crane systems, AI-driven scheduling, and real-time emissions monitoring. Dutch firms with capabilities in software, IoT logistics, and port optimization have the chance to shape the next generation of Gulf Coast supply chains.
Health innovation is also accelerating. The Texas Medical Center employs over 106,000 professionals across 60+ institutions, contributes more than $25 billion annually to the Houston economy, and hosts one of the most advanced bioengineering and translational research pipelines in the U.S. The TMC3 campus, a new $1.5 billion life sciences district, is creating additional lab and R&D space for international partnerships. Dutch medtech and biotech companies can fast-track U.S. entry by engaging early with TMC initiatives.
Meanwhile, sports, entertainment, and creative tech are fast-growing industries in Houston. As one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities, Houston is investing in stadium upgrades, digital fan engagement tools, and smart venue operations. The region has 5 major professional sports teams and a fan base representing 150+ countries. These trends mirror the Dutch approach to integrating fan tech, mobility, and smart experiences into citywide and stadium planning.
Why Houston - and Why Now?
Houston added around 60,000 new jobs in 2024 – a 1.7% growth, above the 1.6% national average growth. The job market in Houston is poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by several favorable economic factors. The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts the creation of 71,200 jobs in 2025, which would bring the total payroll jobs in the region to over 3.5 million, a record for the area. The region’s GDP surpassed $697 billion in 2024, making it the 7th largest metro economy in the United States.
Logistically, Houston is unmatched. George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports handle over 63 million passengers per year and offer nonstop flights to over 250+ destinations in over 40 countries, including Amsterdam. The city’s robust trade infrastructure, Free Trade Zones (FTZ84), and warehousing ecosystems make it ideal for companies looking to establish North American headquarters combined with Latin American access.
Regulatory conditions are favorable. Texas has no state income tax. Houston has streamlined permit systems, property tax abatements for qualified foreign investors, and R&D incentive grants for innovation-focused partnerships. These factors combine to make Houston a top three U.S. city for FDI according to recent Site Selection Magazine rankings.
Looking Ahead: A Strategic Imperative
If the Netherlands wants to consolidate its position as the top global partner of Houston, it must think bigger. Sector diversification, regional outreach, and high-profile visibility will be essential. That means investing not only in operations, but in relationships - public, private, and academic.
It also requires moving beyond trade figures into joint ventures, co-developed IP, urban development pilots, and visible innovation showcases. Houston offers space, support, and a global audience. But speed matters: other countries have taken note, and global competition is intensifying.
But what about current tariff challenges? While the U.S. remains a relatively open market, fluctuating tariffs, evolving trade compliance rules, and Buy American policies can introduce friction - especially in regulated sectors like energy infrastructure, defense, and health. Dutch companies should proactively engage local counsel, explore U.S. manufacturing or assembly partnerships, and make use of Houston’s Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouse advantages to mitigate exposure. Smart structuring and early-stage localization can not only reduce costs but also boost eligibility for federal funding and large-scale procurement.
The moment is now. With the trade relationship at record highs and Houston transforming into a platform for the Americas, the Netherlands has the economic, technical, and cultural capacity to build a model for transatlantic partnership that others will follow.
What’s next? Everything – so let’s act and grab the opportunity!
Interested in Expanding Your Business to the U.S.?
Connect with Maximum Ventures in partnership with Van Holland Group to schedule a call. Let’s talk about the future of your business in the USA and how to prepare for the many USA opportunities under new regulatory, economic and political environments.
Book your “US Business Discovery” appointment here:
Sources:
For more insights, check out some these sources:
Comentários