Public transport vehicles market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for public transport vehicles expanded from 171.1 million US dollars in 2018 to 254.3 million in 2020. This growth was supported by increased public transport usage reported in 2018, including rising train travel and regional carrier activity, which boosted vehicle demand. Government policies promoting environmentally friendly driving and electric transport further stimulated the market, leading to a continued rise in the number of buses and other vehicles through 2019.

In 2021, the market contracted to 179.4 million US dollars. The decline followed the COVID-19 pandemic, as structural shifts toward remote work and digital meetings kept public transport usage below pre-pandemic levels. High energy prices and inflation also affected freight transport, indirectly dampening demand for new vehicles.

Beyond 2021, regulatory developments set the course for the market. Stricter CO₂ reduction targets for vehicles were introduced in 2023, reinforcing the push toward cleaner technology. A key mandate requires all new buses entering service from 2025 onward to be zero-emission, accelerating the adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Other factors include growing competition from electric bicycles and potential changes to student travel compensation, which are shaping the landscape for public transport vehicles.

Production public transport vehicles in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands' production of public transport vehicles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 133.1 million US dollars, marking a modest drop of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 48.1%, which equates to an annualized rate of 19.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 289.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 12.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 52.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 591.0 units of public transport vehicles, showing a sharp decline of 37.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 944.0 units, which saw the largest increase of 20.6%. The minimum value occurred in 2020 at 591.0 units, with the largest decline that year of 37.4%.

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

Exports public transport vehicles from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, unit

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 2,381 units of public transport vehicles, marking a controlled improvement of 5.1% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 31%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4,873 units, which saw the largest increase of 41.2%. The minimum value occurred in 2020 at 2,266 units, with the largest decline that year of 53.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Italy played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of public transport vehicles from the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 27.3% of exports in kind, Belgium for 13.4%, and Italy for 6.8%. Together, their joint share reached 47.5% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2021, public transport vehicle deliveries from the Netherlands came to 287.6 million US dollars, up by 39.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 377.2 million US dollars. The minimum value occurred in 2020 at 205.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 45.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Germany, Belgium, and France—together accounted for 52.1% of total exports in value terms of public transport vehicles from the Netherlands.

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 public transport vehicles to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, unit

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 8,098 units of public transport vehicles, reflecting a sharp rise of 48.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 47.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 5,453 units, with the largest decline that year of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Europe, not elsewhere specified, formed the core of imports in kind. Germany accounted for 32.3% of imports in kind, Belgium for 24.4%, and Europe, not elsewhere specified, for 9.8%. Together, they took 66.5% of total flows.

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

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 334.0 million US dollars worth of public transport vehicles, showing a modest increase of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 46.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 46.6%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 3.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and China continued to be the main suppliers of public transport vehicles to the Netherlands. Belgium accounted for 45.5% of imports in value terms, Germany for 23.7%, and China for 8.8%. Jointly, they formed 78.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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