Sails market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch sail market grew from 11.9 million USD in 2018 to 17.1 million USD in 2020, driven by design innovations like lightweight carbon fibers and new boat models such as the DF 65. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 spurred a recreational boating surge, significantly increasing demand for sails as more people took up water sports.

Market volume fluctuated in 2021 and 2022, with the introduction of foiling technology in small sailboats and a growing emphasis on sustainability through solar panels on boats. In 2022, the implementation of EU Directive 2017/2397 introduced new inland waterway certification requirements, which influenced market activity alongside continued growth in sailing training and electric boat popularity.

The market recovered strongly from 2023, reaching 21.6 million USD in 2024. This expansion was supported by the rising adoption of electric boats and increased sales of used sailing yachts, reflecting sustained consumer interest in eco-friendly and technologically advanced watercraft.

Production sails in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, sail production in the Netherlands was valued at 6 234 K $ US, marking a sharp decline of 50.7% compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2020 at 12 644 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 32.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 44.9%, translating to an average annual decline of 18.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Production volumes reached their highest point in 2020 at 4 542 t, then fell sharply to their lowest level in 2021 at 355 t, representing a 12.8-fold difference. The 2021 output declined dramatically by 92.2% from the previous year, while 2020 recorded the largest annual increase of 56.2%.

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

Exports sails from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes exhibited considerable volatility during these years. They dropped to their lowest point in 2019 at 11.3 t, then peaked in 2018, showing a 4.9-fold variation between these extremes. In 2021, the Netherlands exported 24.4 t of sails, a slight decrease of 1.4% from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 79.7%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2020 at 118.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (40.9% of exports in kind), Benin (9.9%), and Switzerland (7.0%) were the primary destinations for sail exports from the Netherlands, collectively accounting for 57.8% 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

Export values demonstrated notable volatility during this period. They reached their minimum in 2019 at 465 K $ US and their maximum in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, foreign sail supplies from the Netherlands totaled 576 K $ US, down 47.0% from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 69.1%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2020 at 134.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the export market in value terms was quite diversified. Germany (17.3% of exports in value terms), Hong Kong (12.4%), and Switzerland (8.7%) together represented just 38.4% of total flows, with the remaining 61.6% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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 sails to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. They reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020 at 128.7 t, representing a 2.8-fold variation. In 2021, the Netherlands imported sails totaling 128.7 t, a moderate decrease of 9.7% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 97.6%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Hungary (22.9% of imports in kind), China (20.0%), and Belgium (10.7%) formed the key group of partners for sail imports to the Netherlands, jointly representing 53.6% of total import 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, K $ US

Sail imports to the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 7 037 K $ US, a gain of 27.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 230.2%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 48.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, no single market dominated sail imports to the Netherlands. Germany (12.1% of imports in value terms), China (11.7%), and the United Kingdom (10.9%) together accounted for only 34.6% of total import value, with many smaller partners each contributing modest individual shares.

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

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