The Dutch water sector continues to strengthen its international position. According to the latest Water Sector Export Index (WEX) report, compiled by the Panteia research agency on behalf of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and Water Alliance, the sector is expected to reach an export value of EUR 12.2 billion in 2025 – accounting for 2.26 percent of total Dutch exports. This marks a further increase in the estimated export value of EUR 11.5 billion in 2024.
The WEX (Water Sector Export Index) gives an annual overview of the Dutch water sector’s export performance and economic contribution. Since the WEXindex was introduced in 2000, with a base value of 100, it has shown a clear upward trend. Expected to reach 296 in 2025, the index indicates that Dutch water exports have almost tripled over the past 25 years, underlining the sector’s growing importance to the Dutch economy and international markets.
The report combines official statistics, including data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), with the results of a sector-wide survey conducted by Panteia. Together, these give the most up-to-date picture of the international performance of the Dutch water sector.
Two pillars: water technology and delta technology
De WEX onderscheidt twee belangrijke subsectoren:
- Water technology, including drinking water supply and treatment, industrial water solutions, wastewater treatment and water reuse.
- Delta technology, covering integrated water management, hydraulic engineering, coastal development, dredging, water and green infrastructure.
Strong confidence in international markets
Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, confidence in international markets remains strong. Nearly half the respondents expected international turnover to grow in 2025, increasing to more than half in 2026. Companies forecast an average export growth of 29 percent in 2026, with the outlook particularly positive among delta technology companies.
Export markets and emerging themes
Europe and North America remain the most important export markets for Dutch water companies. Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States continue to rank among the most important destinations, while Canada, France, and the Middle East (and Saudi Arabia in particular), as increasingly attractive markets.
Companies identify wastewater treatment and reuse, and water quality, scarcity and availability as the most important international water themes for the coming years. Climate adaptation, water management and circular water use also continue to gain ground.
Challenges and opportunities
Nearly three-quarters of respondents indicate that geopolitical developments influence their market selection and export strategies. At the same time, 18 percent of companies report having shifted their regional focus as a result of international crises.
The greatest challenge in entering new markets remains finding suitable local partners. Companies also cite limited internal capacity, insufficient knowledge of local regulations, and access to financing as barriers to international growth.
To strengthen international competitiveness, respondents emphasise the importance of:
- building stronger international partnerships and consortia;
- investing in innovation, demonstration projects and pilot facilities;
- developing strong business cases;
- making better use of international networks and relationships; and,
- delivering integrated water solutions across sectors.
The export share of the Dutch water sector
The export share of the Dutch water sector remains high, with exports expected to account for 39.1 percent of total sector turnover in 2025. Although this represents a decline of 3.3 percentage points compared to previous years, exports continue to play a crucial role in the sector’s overall performance. Historically, the export ratio has closely followed economic cycles, increasing during periods of growth and declining during downturns. Delta technology remains the most export-oriented subsector, with export shares typically ranging between 50 percent and 55 percent of turnover, while water technology has historically fluctuated between 30 percent and 37 percent. Despite recent fluctuations, both subsectors are expected to maintain strong international engagement, underlining the continued importance of export markets for the Dutch water sector.
The Dutch water sector’s growing economic importance
The WEX report underscores the growing economic significance of the Dutch water sector. As global demand for expertise in water management, water technology and climate adaptation continues to rise, the sector is making an increasingly important contribution to the Dutch economy, employment and international competitiveness. The sustained growth of the WEX over the past 25 years reflects this strong international position.
Fluctuations in the sector’s export share are closely linked to global economic developments, while also demonstrating its resilience. Despite geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressures, the Dutch water sector is expected to achieve an export value of EUR12.2 billion in 2025, accounting for 2.26 percent of total Dutch exports.
At the same time, measuring the sector’s full economic impact is becoming increasingly complex. Water-related expertise and solutions are now closely integrated with broader societal transitions, including climate adaptation, the energy transition and sustainable food systems. This highlights not only the sector’s economic value, but also its strategic importance in addressing global sustainability challenges.
About the Water Sector Export Index (WEX)
The WEX report was compiled by Panteia and commissioned by the Netherlands Water Partnership in collaboration with Water Alliance. It was funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
The Water Sector Export Index 1995-2024, forecast 2025 report is available below.
*In the photo: Yvonne van den Berg (Water Alliance, Meike van Ginneken (Watergezant Ministerie van I&W) en Rick Elmendorp (NWP)
Photo by Jos Hummelen
