The Netherlands Has Overtaken Germany as the World's Largest Exporter of Cocoa Products

The Netherlands overtook Germany in 2025 to become the world's largest exporter of cocoa products, according to new figures published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The country exported €12.4 billion worth of cocoa products last year, ahead of Germany at €11.4 billion. Germany had held the top position every year since 2010.

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What drove the rise

The Dutch export value of cocoa products nearly tripled between 2020 and 2025, rising from €4.2 billion to €12.4 billion. The main driver was a sharp rise in the price of cocoa beans, itself caused by several years of poor harvests in West Africa due to bad weather conditions. The Dutch economy earned approximately €3 billion from cocoa product exports in 2025.

Different products, different strategies

Germany and the Netherlands export very different things. Germany exports primarily chocolate, which accounts for around two thirds of its cocoa shipments. The Dutch export mix is roughly the reverse: about three quarters consists of semi-finished products such as cocoa mass and cocoa butter, with chocolate making up around a quarter.

This reflects the Netherlands' role as a processing hub rather than a finished-goods manufacturer. Cocoa beans arrive in bulk, are processed into intermediate products, and are then shipped to other countries where they are turned into chocolate and confectionery.

The Amsterdam-Zaanstreek axis

Cocoa beans arrive primarily through the port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa port in the world, and are then processed mainly in the Zaanstreek region. The area north of Amsterdam has long been home to a cluster of food processing companies and remains central to the Dutch cocoa industry.

When re-exports of raw cocoa beans are included alongside processed products, Dutch total cocoa exports reach €13.3 billion, ahead of Germany, Ivory Coast, Belgium and France.

Where it goes and where it comes from

About 25 percent of Dutch cocoa exports go to Germany and 13 percent to Belgium. France, the United Kingdom and the United States are also significant destinations.

On the import side, 27 percent of Dutch cocoa bean imports come from Ivory Coast, with Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria also major suppliers. Cameroon's share has grown from 8 to 11 percent since 2020, and Nigeria's from 5 to 11 percent. Ecuador and Guinea are emerging sources.

The Netherlands is the world's second largest importer of cocoa beans and products overall, behind only the United States. Combining import and export volumes makes the Netherlands the single largest trader in cocoa in the world.