SAn Francisco Golden bridge

From Vancouver to Silicon Valley: opportunities for Dutch logistics in North America

Trade relations are changing, but interest in Europe remains. During a visit to Vancouver, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area earlier this month, HIDC met with trade promotion organisations and companies looking to expand their European operations.

In Canada, the strained relationship with the United States is an important factor. The government is investing heavily in transport infrastructure and encouraging exports to Europe. Trade and Invest British Columbia reports growing interest in the European market and sees clear opportunities for Dutch logistics providers to support these exporters with their European distribution.

In the United States, interest in international trade also continues, despite far-reaching changes within the federal government. Budget cuts have brought many export promotion programmes to an end, while US technology companies, particularly those working in AI, continue to receive considerable attention. The Bay Area also offers opportunities in life sciences, semiconductors and supplying data centres.

 Turning market interest into logistics business

The discussions highlighted where Dutch logistics providers can add value. We met with several companies looking to outsource warehousing and distribution in the Netherlands. There is also demand for expertise in customs procedures and trade compliance.

 Strong trade ties, changing dynamics

The scale of trade underlines the importance of these markets. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Netherlands exported €38.2 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2024 and imported €59.7 billion. The US therefore remains one of the Netherlands’ most important trading partners.¹

Dutch logistics providers have opportunities to support North American companies entering the European market, from customs and compliance to warehousing and distribution. HIDC continues to build and maintain connections with companies, trade organisations and Dutch representatives in North America to help facilitate these opportunities.

Source: ¹ CBS, ‘Hoeveel goederenhandel was er in 2024 tussen Nederland en de VS?’, Nederland in cijfers 2025.

Would you like to find out more about Dutch logistics companies supporting North American companies expanding to Europe? Get in touch.

Karin Rancuret
Senior Manager Business Development