The Netherlands is the fourth largest import market for leather bags in Europe. In 2022, the value of its leather bag imports was €376 million (up from €304 million in 2017). This represents 7.3 million units. Between 2017 and 2022, the value of Dutch leather bag imports grew at an average rate of 4.4% per year, while the import volume went down by 0.3% per year. 

The Netherlands sources 29.5% of its leather bag imports from developing countries in terms of value. This is significantly higher than the EU average. While developing country imports are growing (3.6% over the 2017–2022 period), it is slightly lower than the EU average.

The average unit price of imported leather bags in 2022 was just €51 (the lowest among the top importing countries), which was €10 higher than in 2017 and €35 lower than the European average. The Netherlands is the only top 6 country that paid less in 2022 for leather bag imports from developing countries than in 2017 (almost €1.50 difference). This means the country has a strong non-luxury market.

The Netherlands profits from a favourable business climate, which facilitates importing and exporting. This, combined with its proximity to the sea and availability of ports, means it is an ideal avenue for importing products into Europe. For this reason, many foreign apparel brands have their headquarters in the Dutch capital, including Nike, Karl Lagerfeld and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Netherlands is home to a strong community of industry support organisations that focus on sustainability issues, including Fashion for Good(an innovation platform and accelerator for fashion start-ups), MODINT (trade association) and the non-profit Sustainable Apparel Coalition. 

While France and Italy remain the Netherlands’ strongest exporters of leather bags in terms of value, China is the country’s top exporter in terms of volume (20.9% share). Of the top ten exporters to the Netherlands by value, 5 are developing countries (China, Indonesia, India, Cambodia and Vietnam).

Well-known leather bag brands in the Netherlands include Ellen Truijen, O My Bag and Bear Design.

Source : CBI