Iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, production of iron or steel bridge structures in the Netherlands rose from 20 960 t to 28 472 t. This growth was supported by the rapid development of the Dutch construction market and increasing demand for structural steel for bridges and infrastructure. The market also saw a rise in innovative steel products and segments, including lightweight sustainable steel bridge decks, which further stimulated output. In 2020, however, production declined to 25 331 t. This coincided with pressure on the metal and steel industry from rising energy costs and international competition, influenced by global demand shifts in the automotive and construction sectors. Despite the production dip, total market volume increased to 26 978 t in 2020, indicating sustained domestic demand.

A significant shift occurred from 2022 onward. That year, major municipalities including Amsterdam implemented explicit risk scans for bridge constructions, and a national policy focus emerged on renewing and reinforcing steel bridge parts for the next thirty years, with projects planned for 2022-2025. This drove a sharp increase in imports to 14 044 t in 2022, while exports also rose to 15 301 t, reflecting heightened activity. Imports and exports remained at elevated levels through 2025, with imports reaching 10 302 t in 2024 and exports 12 448 t in the same year, underscoring the ongoing bridge renewal and maintenance cycle. Throughout the period, regulatory standards like NEN 6788:2009 and the widespread application of CE declarations since 2014 continued to shape product quality and market access.

Production iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2020, the Netherlands produced iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections valued at 94 663 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 19.3% compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 79 379 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 11.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, overall production grew by 5.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 25 331 tonnes of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections, representing an 11.0% decrease from the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 28 472 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 35.8%. From 2018 to 2020, total production rose by 20.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

The export market for iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections from the Netherlands showed significant volatility. Exports reached their highest volume in 2019 at 9 229 tonnes and their lowest in 2020 at 2 444 tonnes, creating a 3.8-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 73.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 69.8%. In 2021, export volume rebounded to 3 492 tonnes, a 42.9% increase from 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands primarily exported iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to Sri Lanka, Germany, and Norway. Sri Lanka accounted for 32.6% of exports in kind, Germany for 13.6%, and Norway for 9.3%. Together, these three destinations represented 55.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms displayed an unstable trend. Exports peaked in 2019 at 52 061 thousand US dollars and bottomed in 2020 at 13 053 thousand US dollars, resulting in a fourfold difference. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 74.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 257.2%. In 2021, exports recovered to 23 222 thousand US dollars, a sharp gain of 77.9% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the main destinations for the Netherlands' exports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in value terms were Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Sri Lanka held a 40.2% share, the United Kingdom 11.6%, and Norway 10.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 62.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in the Netherlands were highly volatile. Imports reached their highest level in 2018 and their lowest in 2019 at 415 tonnes, with a 13.2-fold gap between these years. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 92.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020, rising by 885.1%. In 2021, import volume stood at 456 tonnes, an 88.9% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium were the primary sources for the Netherlands' imports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in kind. Together, they accounted for 83.7% of total import flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values for iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in the Netherlands exhibited irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 877 thousand US dollars, with a 6.9-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 85.4%, while the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 240.5%. In 2021, import value was 2 598 thousand US dollars, a 59.3% decrease compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, the Netherlands' imports of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in value terms were dominated by Germany, China, and Belgium. Germany contributed 42.1% of imports, China 25.0%, and Belgium 22.3%. These three suppliers together formed 89.5% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021