Priority Points 2025: Redefining the Transatlantic Trade Relationship

The Priority Points and the Investment Climate Study are at the basis of AmCham's advocacy work and will guide our dialogue with the (caretaker) Government, civil servants and politicians in the months ahead. It is with great pleasure that we share the publication and detailed study results with you. The first copy of the publication was handed over to Prime Minister Dick Schoof during the AGM of May 22, 2025.

 

 

PRIORITY POINTS 2025: Redefining the Transatlantic Trade Relationship


The Priority Points are AmCham's key recommendations to the Dutch Governement for a strong and healthy investment climate in the Netherlands and contain input from AmCham's Board, Committees and member companies. 

The U.S.-Netherlands economic relationship is deep, diversified, and mutually beneficial and is one of the most strategically significant in the transatlantic alliance. Both markets are tightly connected through their mature markets, integrated supply chains, talent exchange and shared strengths in innovation, sustainability, and digitalization. Massive bilateral investments, significant trade volumes and extensive job creation on both sides of the Atlantic underscore the depth of this partnership. Yet, we are witnessing a shift from a transatlantic relationship grounded in shared values to one that will be driven by shared interests. 

AmCham recommends to keep investing in a strong transatlantic trade relationship while simultaneously investing in the improvement of the economic attractiveness and competitiveness of the Netherlands and the EU, both in the short and in the long term. Together, we are stronger!

1. Open Dialogue, Open Trade

  • Honor distinct legal environments, seek common ground and mutually beneficial opportunities.
  • Avoid protectionism, at all times include rule-abiding foreign firms.
  • Support open transatlantic ties and lead within the EU

2. Competitiveness and Level Playing Field Within the EU

  • Prioritize competitiveness, implement Letta & Draghi.
  • Simplify regulation, avoid national gold-plating.
  • Solve structural issues, speed up permitting.

3. Investing in Future Resilience 

  • Focus on education, welcome global talent.
  • Boost innovation and public-private collaboration, improve investment.
  • Ensure policy reliability, maintain a long-term, business friendly vision.
     


INVESTMENT CLIMATE STUDY 2025: Sustaining a Resilient and Attractive Dutch Economy

An annual study commissioned by AmCham and executed by Bain & Company

The Investment Climate Study is commissioned by AmCham and executed by Bain & Company and underpins the Priority Points. The Investment Climate Study gives insight in current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) trends and the FDI position of the Netherlands. The study analyses strengths and weaknesses of the Dutch investment climate against other EU countries and zooms in on opportunities for the Netherlands to continue leading.

Key Insights:

  • The Netherlands holds 2nd largest total FDI and ‘real’ FDI stock in Europe, which is a manifestation of its strong links with the rest of the world.
  • The United States is the largest FDI holder in the Netherlands and the two countries are strong economic partners.
  • Although leading on FDI stock, NL has lagged peers in securing new ‘Real’ FDI inflow over the last 5 years.
  • The Netherlands losing its lead in innovation; productivity growth in the Netherlands lags the Euro 20 area and the United States; The Netherlands is becoming less competitive.

Key Recommendations to the Dutch Government: 

  • Continue shaping the national economic strategy – Continue setting clear economic and investment strategies. Enhance them with more consistency, holistic coordination and further detailed vision.
  • Enable strategies with strong economic foundations – Provide solid foundations in Infrastructure, Human Capital, Financial and Fiscal, Research and Innovation. Tailor to specific industry needs and strategic significance.
  • Make stable commitments for the long term – Investments thrive on stable regulation and resource commitments. Make the long-term policy predictable and concrete, with minimum 15- to 20-year horizons.
  • Strengthen mutual trust – Work towards a more positive sentiment. Better celebrate success of companies. Increase mutual learning for better understanding.
  • Align with the EU & continue transatlantic ties – Act as leader in European integration, while ensuring a level playing field. Broaden Transatlantic relations and use them in addressing challenges.


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