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City Profile2025-02-10

Amsterdam: Europe's Gateway for Global Trade

Amsterdam: Europe's Gateway for Global Trade

The Netherlands holds an unmatched position in Europe's logistics landscape. With world-class infrastructure connecting sea, air, and land routes, Amsterdam and its surrounding region serve as the primary gateway for goods entering the European market.

Infrastructure Excellence

The Dutch logistics network is built on three pillars:

  • **Port of Rotterdam**: Europe's largest seaport, handling over 16 million TEU of container traffic projected for 2025
  • **Amsterdam Airport Schiphol**: The second-largest freight airport in Europe, providing efficient connections to international markets
  • **Port of Amsterdam**: The second-largest Dutch port, specializing in bulk goods, general cargo, and serving as a gateway to Northwestern Europe's industrial heartland

    • Trade Policy Advantages

    The Netherlands offers significant financial benefits for international trade:

  • **VAT Deferment System**: Article 23 of Dutch tax regulations allows businesses to defer VAT on imports until filing their tax return, dramatically improving cash flow
  • **Favorable Trade Policies**: Importers can avoid paying value-added tax upon import, making warehousing solutions highly cost-efficient
  • **Political Stability**: Transparency, stability, and investor-friendly frameworks create what many describe as "low-risk, high-functioning Europe"

    • Strategic Location

    From the Netherlands, pan-European distribution becomes seamless:

  • Central position enables next-day delivery to major European markets
  • New infrastructure investments continue expanding connectivity
  • Major 3PLs continue expanding operations, driven by globalization and e-commerce growth

    • Market Access

    Recent developments demonstrate ongoing investment in the region. Major fulfillment hubs have opened near Schiphol Airport and within an hour of the Port of Rotterdam, positioning the region as a key gateway for goods entering Europe with efficient access to both air and sea routes across the continent.

    Why We Chose Amsterdam

    SGV established our trade and logistics operations in Amsterdam to leverage these advantages. The region's infrastructure, favorable tax treatment, and central position make it the optimal base for commerce operations serving the European market.

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