The Netherlands Doing Business in Texas
Companies from The Netherlands continue to invest in Texas, thanks to a historically strong trade relationship.
Since January 2011, more than forty percent of FDI projects into Texas originated from Western Europe, according to FDI data – much of that can be attributed to a successful economic partnership with The Netherlands. The economic relationship between Texas and The Netherlands is characterized by strong, diverse company clusters. The Netherlands and Texas share many industry strengths, from energy and industrial products to financial and professional services. These shared industries have been strengthened by major company investments in Texas, such as The Netherlands-based Shell Petroleum, with its U.S. headquarters located in Houston. Texas’ state-of-the-art international airports also provide direct flights to Amsterdam, making business travel convenient.
Texas & Global Markets
As the #1 global exporter in the U.S. and the #1 state for foreign direct investment, Texas continues to prove its reputation as a leader in the global economy.
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Trade and Infrastructure
- Cultural Ties
Dutch Companies Operating in Texas
Dutch companies continue to invest in Texas, including a strong cluster within the energy and chemical sectors.
Examples of Dutch companies operating in Texas include Airbus Helicopters, CallisonRTKL, Core Laboratories, Cott Beverages, Fugro, Imperial Sugar, International Paint, Lyondell Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Advanced Polyolefins USA, LyondellBasell Industries, Mammoet USA, Pecten Trading Company, SBM Offshore, Shell Energy North America, Shell Lubricants, Shell Petroleum, Shell Pipeline Company, Shell Technology Ventures, Shell Trading and Taprite-Fassco Manufacturing.
Shared industries between The Netherlands and Texas include aerospace and aviation, chemicals, energy, financial services, food & beverage, industrial products, infrastructure, materials, oil & gas, petroleum and professional services. Cumulative foreign direct investment from January 2011 – December 2023 included 73 projects, with $6,328 million in capital investment and 5,698 jobs created by 58 companies.
Trade Between the Netherlands and Texas
The trade partnership between these two regions is strong and consistent, focusing on materials like oil and organic chemicals.
Texas exports to The Netherlands in 2023 totaled $26,580 million, including the following commodities: mineral fuel, oil, electric machinery, organic chemicals, industrial machinery and technical instruments. Texas imports from The Netherlands in 2023 totaled $2,059 million, including the following commodities: mineral fuel, oil, industrial machinery, organic chemicals, beverage, spirits, vinegar, aircraft, spacecraft and parts. Texas port districts that have active trade with The Netherlands include Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Laredo and Port Arthur.
Direct flights to/from Amsterdam are offered at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
Cultural Ties Between the Netherlands and Texas
Not only do The Netherlands and Texas share an important trade relationship, but the two also share cultural ties.
The Houston Chapter of The Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) is an open forum with a mission to exchange knowledge and experiences between its members. The NAF Houston Chapter is a channel for many educational engagements between Dutch people and Greater Houston-based companies and universities. Social and networking aspects events take place throughout the year, like the traditional New Year’s reception and King’s Day celebration. Meanwhile, The Holland Club Houston brings together the Dutch community in Houston, preserving the customs of The Netherlands and hosting events like an annual Rijsttafel dinner. The Houston Dutch Lions soccer club showcases Dutch soccer philosophy, offering both a youth soccer academy and adult leagues
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