How the U.S. and Netherlands Are Strengthening Trade, Investment and Economic Security
The United States and the Netherlands share one of the world’s largest bilateral investment relationships, with more than $1.7 trillion invested across their two economies. On October 1, Meridian International Center convened 35 corporate and government leaders for a Global Business Briefing with H.E. Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate of the Netherlands, to identify opportunities to strengthen one of the United States’ most significant economic partnerships.
Held at the White-Meyer House, the discussion brought together executives from companies including ASML, BNY, Citi, Google, Mastercard, NXP Semiconductors, PayPal, Philips and Visa alongside Dutch government and diplomatic officials. H.E. Birgitta Tazelaar, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the U.S., joined Minister Herbert and Andrew Lott, Director of Corporate Affairs at BNY, for the discussion, moderated by Jim Golsen, Vice President of Meridian’s Center for Corporate Diplomacy.
Here are the top takeaways:
1. $1.7 Trillion in Investment Anchors U.S.-Netherlands Economic Ties
Investment remains one of the strongest anchors of the U.S.-Netherlands economic relationship. At the end of 2025, the U.S. direct investment position in the Netherlands stood at about $1.04 trillion, while Dutch investment in the United States reached $751.8 billion. Those deep commercial ties give both countries a significant stake in maintaining an open and competitive transatlantic business environment while creating a strong foundation for new investment and growth.
2. The Netherlands Is Targeting Strategic Industries for Growth
The Netherlands is concentrating its industrial policy on six strategic markets where targeted investment can strengthen innovation, productivity and long-term competitiveness. Semiconductors and advanced machinery are among the sectors at the center of that strategy, alongside efforts to mobilize more public and private capital for innovation. The Netherlands also recently announced a National Investment Institution designed to expand access to capital for promising companies, backed by more than €3 billion in government investment.
3. Semiconductor Security Still Depends on Global Supply Chains
As governments strengthen economic and technology security, semiconductor policy cannot be separated from the global value chains that underpin the industry. The Netherlands has identified semiconductors as essential to critical infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and national security, but its position in advanced chipmaking also depends on cooperation with the United States and other international partners. Greater clarity around where domestic or allied capacity is necessary, and where global supply chains remain essential, can help companies make long-term investment decisions.
4. Removing EU Market Barriers Could Unlock Greater Investment
Strengthening Europe’s single market is a central part of the Netherlands’ competitiveness agenda. Despite giving businesses access to roughly 450 million consumers, regulatory differences and other barriers can still make it difficult for companies to operate and scale across EU member states. Greater harmonization could give businesses more room to grow, attract investment and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
5. Grid Capacity Is Becoming an Economic Competitiveness Issue
Energy infrastructure is becoming a direct consideration for companies deciding where to invest and expand. As the Netherlands transitions away from gas and coal and expands nuclear and other energy sources, electricity grid congestion is creating challenges for private investment. Expanding grid capacity will be critical to matching the country’s industrial ambitions with the energy infrastructure needed to support them.
Project summary
| How the U.S. and Netherlands Are Strengthening Trade, Investment and Economic Security | October 2026 |
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