Iron or steel stranded wire and ropes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for iron or steel stranded wire and ropes saw a sharp contraction in 2020, with volume falling to 47 494 t, before rebounding strongly to 61 726 t in 2021. This recovery aligned with the metal footprint of Dutch consumption reaching its highest level since 2012, signaling increased domestic use of steel products which bolstered market demand. Imports rose from 63 024 t to 79 903 t over this period, driving the market expansion.

In the years following 2021, import volumes peaked at 84 116 t in 2022 then gradually eased to 65 337 t by 2024, while export volumes consistently grew, reaching 27 227 t in 2024. During this phase, the installation sector’s central role in applying technical developments for sustainability and electrification, alongside increased maintenance and renovation of existing systems, supported demand for cables and steel ropes.

By 2025, imports stabilized around 64 600 t as exports advanced to 29 135 t. The market was influenced by the dumping of cheap steel from Asia into Europe and U.S. import tariffs, which affected competition and pricing. Additionally, local regulations mandating steel sleeve pipes for cable laying under roads to ensure structural stability created specific demand, while the globally growing electric wire and cable market, expected to expand at 6.7% annually from 2025, provided a supportive context.

Production iron or steel stranded wire and ropes in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, t

The Netherlands saw its production of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes decline for the second year in a row. In 2021, production reached 2,587 tonnes, representing a modest decrease of 3.5% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2019 to 2021, production fell by 9.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.4%.

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

Exports iron or steel stranded wire and ropes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Exports of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes from the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 20,765 tonnes, showing a solid growth of 14.0% over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 6.6%, with an average annual increase of 2.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 17,858 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 8.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands exported iron or steel stranded wire and ropes to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium—collectively accounted for just 39.2% of total export volumes, highlighting a diverse trade network.

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, M $ US

Export revenues from iron or steel stranded wire and ropes in the Netherlands grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 81.4 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 13.9% compared to 2020. However, from 2018 to 2021, overall export value decreased by 2.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 69.1 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 17.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were among the largest buyers of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes from the Netherlands in value terms, accounting for 18.4%, 8.1%, and 7.5% of exports, respectively. Yet, together they made up only 34.1% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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 stranded wire and ropes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Imports of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes into the Netherlands reached 79,903 tonnes in 2021, reflecting a sharp increase of 26.8% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 17.8%, with an average annual rise of 5.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 63,024 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, imports of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes to the Netherlands came from a wide range of countries. Germany, Hungary, and Spain were key suppliers, but together they represented only 38.9% of total import volumes, with shares of 14.2%, 13.5%, and 11.2%, respectively.

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, M $ US

After two years of contraction, the value of iron or steel stranded wire and ropes imports into the Netherlands rebounded in 2021, showing a sharp rise of 35.5% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 26%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 8.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 129.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.8%.

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

The import structure in value terms from 2018 to 2021 reveals a diversified set of partners. Germany, China, and the United Kingdom were significant sources, accounting for 18.3%, 8.3%, and 7.4% of imports, respectively. However, together they made up just 33.9% of total import value, with the remaining 66.1% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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