Arabfields, Giulia Alliata, Economic Correspondent, Italia — The Netherlands has emerged as the world’s leading exporter of cocoa products in 2025, surpassing Germany for the first time since 2010 and marking a significant shift in the international cocoa market.
According to data from Statistics Netherlands, Dutch exports of cocoa products, which include chocolate, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, reached 12.4 billion euros last year. This figure edged ahead of Germany’s 11.4 billion euros, ending more than a decade of German dominance in the sector.
The rise reflects a remarkable expansion for the Dutch trade. Between 2020 and 2025, the value of these exports nearly tripled, climbing from 4.2 billion euros to the current level. Industry observers attribute much of this growth to elevated global cocoa bean prices, which followed several years of disappointing harvests in West Africa caused by challenging weather patterns.
For many in the Dutch processing sector, the achievement brings a sense of quiet satisfaction. Farmers and traders who have long invested in efficient port facilities and advanced grinding technology see their efforts paying off. One processor in Rotterdam, who has worked in the industry for over two decades, noted that the combination of reliable infrastructure and strong demand for semi-finished products has strengthened the country’s position at the heart of the global supply chain.
When including re-exports of raw cocoa beans, the total value of Dutch cocoa-related trade climbs to approximately 13.3 billion euros. Roughly three-quarters of the exported volume consists of semi-manufactured goods destined for further processing, while the remainder comprises finished chocolate items.
Germany continues to serve as the primary market for Dutch shipments, absorbing about 25 percent of the total. Belgium follows as the second-largest destination with a 13 percent share. Beyond Europe, the United States ranks among the most important non-European importers.
Looking ahead into 2026 and beyond, analysts anticipate continued evolution in the cocoa sector. Global production is expected to show modest recovery in the coming seasons, with projections pointing to potential surpluses that could ease some of the price pressures observed in recent years. However, persistent risks from climate variability in key producing regions, along with ongoing efforts to improve sustainability and traceability, are likely to shape market dynamics.
Market forecasts suggest that overall cocoa trade volumes may expand at a measured pace through the end of the decade, supported by steady demand from chocolate manufacturers and confectionery producers worldwide. The Netherlands, with its established role as a major importer of raw beans and a hub for processing, appears well positioned to maintain or even build upon its newly regained leadership, provided it continues to adapt to shifting supply conditions and regulatory requirements in international markets.
This development underscores the strategic importance of efficient logistics and value-added processing in an industry that remains sensitive to both environmental factors and economic fluctuations. As the global cocoa economy navigates the transition toward greater stability, the Dutch success offers a compelling example of how targeted infrastructure and market responsiveness can influence trade leadership.
