Dutch logistics needs to focus its pillars more on southern German states, where the economy is on the rise the hardest, and less on the underperforming North Rhine-Westphalia. This is according to a report by ING Economic Bureau.
The Netherlands currently focuses mainly on North Rhine-Westphalia. Almost 40 per cent of exports go to this region, while North Rhine-Westphalia lags economically. Only 22 per cent of exports go to the economically fastest-growing states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
In Baden Württemberg, not only industrial suppliers can benefit from the technology industry flourishing here, but logistics can also take advantage. Southern German mechanical engineering would offer opportunities to get more filled containers from Germany to the Netherlands, and from there into the world. The location along the Rhine is favourable for inland shipping routes and are currently underused.
Bavaria less accessible for Dutch companies
There would also be opportunities for Dutch logistics companies in the state of Bavaria. The electrical engineering and transport equipment industries are successful here. Nevertheless, gaining market share here is more difficult, ING warns, as industrial companies in this region are more focused on Austria and the Czech Republic. Moreover, the location is less favourable due to the lack of water.
North Rhine-Westphalia not forgotten
Still, companies should not completely ignore North Rhine-Westphalia. The region is still too important for that. There is a good logistics connection and inland port Duisburg is a crucial link function for the growth of container transport. Moreover, the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia could die together towards a more sustainable economy, as both still rely heavily on fossil resources.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
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