The total value of goods imported was 2 per cent higher than it was in the first half (H1) of 2024, CBS said in a press release.

In each month of Q1 2025, more goods were traded than in the same month of 2024. In April and May, trade was down from last year, but in June it was higher once again.

Dutch international trade in goods rose in the first half (H1) of 2025 compared with H1 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
Exports increased 1.9 per cent and imports 2 per cent YoY.
While mineral fuel trade declined, exports of other goods were largely stable or higher.
Trade with Belgium, France, and the UK weakened, whereas exports to Germany and the US and imports from China grew.

Imports and exports of mineral fuel declined in H1 2025: the import value was 11 per cent lower, while the export value was 15 per cent lower. In other product categories, exports were higher than the previous year or were down by less than those of mineral fuels.

There has been geopolitical turbulence around the world in recent months, and trade with certain neighbouring countries seems to have suffered particularly in the first half of 2025. The value of imports from Belgium and the United Kingdom was down, for instance, as was the value of exports to Belgium and France, added the release.

Exports to the Netherlands’ key trading partner, Germany, saw an increase, while imports from China rose 5 per cent YoY in the first half (H1) of 2025. Exports to the United States climbed 11 per cent, with the most notable growth occurring in February, March, and April.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

The exemptions had been discontinued on March ** this year as the government did not issue a fresh notification before the expiry of the previous one. As a result, duty exemptions were unavailable to Indian exporters from April until the new notification was issued on October **.

Under the latest notification, imports of materials including wet blue, crust, and finished leather; buckles, zips, soles, linings, and fittings will continue to enjoy Nil customs duty when used in the manufacture of leather garments, footwear, and accessories meant for export.

Prada achieved double-digit growth in Asia Pacific (10 per cent), with improving trends in Mainland China. Europe rose 6 per cent, supported by resilient local demand and steady tourism. The Americas advanced 15 per cent, showing sequential acceleration in the third quarter. Japan grew 3 per cent, with stronger local and traveller demand after exceptional tourism in 2024. The Middle East delivered robust 21 per cent growth, moderating slightly in the third quarter.

Prada Group’s retail sales increased 9 per cent to €3,647 million (‘$4.26 billion) in the nine months to September 2025, with the third quarter up 8 per cent.
Asia Pacific grew 10 per cent, the Americas 15 per cent, Europe 6 per cent, Japan 3 per cent, and the Middle East 21 per cent.
Miu Miu surged 41 per cent, while Prada remained resilient.

“The consistency of our results, in a complex macroeconomic environment, confirms the strength of our brands and the validity of our strategy. With the one just closed, the group has delivered 19 quarters of uninterrupted growth. We continue to focus on creativity, product excellence and craftsmanship as foundations for enduring relevance and long-term development. These principles guide us as we navigate an evolving landscape with confidence, discipline and responsibility,” Patrizio Bertelli, Prada Group chairman and executive director, said.

Prada showed good resilience, with retail sales at -1.6 per cent over the nine-month period and -0.8 per cent in Q3. The brand continued to express its creative dynamism, driving a well-balanced product category mix and a consistent focus across strategic price points. The Womenswear SS26 fashion show offered a unique reflection on the role of clothes in reaction to the overloaded contemporary culture, the company said in a press release.

Miu Miu progressed on a healthy growth trajectory at 41 per cent y-o-y, with the third quarter at 29 per cent, driven by widespread appreciation across categories and geographies, as its captivating aesthetics continued to nurture the global influence of the brand. The SS26 fashion show underlined the social importance of work in women’s life. The FW25 campaign re-imagined wardrobe archetypes through a fluid interplay of tailoring and feminine silhouettes, while the Atheneum pop-up initiative embedded collegiate codes with the brand’s irreverence.

“Our performance confirms the health of our brands and further solid, diligent execution by our teams. Prada accelerated versus the previous quarter; Miu Miu has maintained a sustained growth trajectory for 4 years, including in this quarter that was facing triple-digit comps. Despite a still challenging environment, we remain confident in our trajectory, focusing on products and experiences that spark emotional engagement, while further improving our speed and flexibility,” Andrea Guerra, group chief executive officer, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)