Market Intelligence
ReportThe Water Sector Export Index (WEX) is an indicator that shows the annual export trends in the Dutch water sector. It specifically covers the delta management and the water technology sectors. The ‘Water Sector Export Index 1995-2022' (WEX) is the most recent report. It gives new and more definitive figures for 2022, the preliminary figures for 2023, and the forecast for 2024.
The recent 'Water Sector Export Index’ (WEX) report shows that in 2022, the Dutch water sector’s export value was close to an impressive EUR 10 billion. The WEX index achieved a value of 229 (on 100, with 2000 being the baseline year). The gross added value of the sector – the income earned through the production of goods and the delivery of services – amounted to almost EUR 10.9 billion in 2022 and is estimated to be around EUR 12 billion in 2023.
Most of the companies in the water sector are positive about the future, given the important role of the sector in dealing with climate problems. At least 98% of the companies expect the international turnover from water activities to either increase or remain stable in 2023.
The water sector has benefited from the worldwide growth of the world economy and the increased demand for water expertise abroad. The Dutch water sector’s exports has grown by 248 percent over the last 20 years and by 151 percent over the last 10 years. The export quotient, which shows the importance of exports for the sector, grew from one-third in 1995 to an estimated 45 percent in 2022 and more than 50 percent in 2023.
A large number of companies in the Dutch water sector filled in a questionnaire in which they were asked about their expectations for the coming years. Companies are optimistic about the market and see an important role for the sector in dealing with climate problems. Two of the three companies expect an increase in international turnover in 2024 and an average growth of almost 25 percent. The demand for Dutch water expertise lies in climate problems and the energy crisis.
Most of the international turnover is generated in the EU (33 percent) and North America (34 percent). Significant amounts in the delta technology sector are generated in the EU (32 percent). Of note is the interest in the water technology sector in the MENA region (Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). In the delta technology sector, Bangladesh and Indonesia stand out as recipients in the sector.
Various crises in the world have led 21 percent of the companies to shift their regional focus to other areas such as the USA, West Europe, and Central and East Asia.
The drinking water supply, water & green, and industrial wastewater sub-sectors show great potential. The most important international water areas stated for the next few years are mostly related to climate and sustainability: climate change, nature-based solutions, energy transition, and water reuse. There are also areas in the agri-water nexus such as soil and agriculture, drought, water quality, and water scarcity which are becoming more prinent.
Collaborating with international companies and sector players is crucial for international success. Market knowledge, understanding the users’ needs, and financial resources are seen as important factors. Offering integrated solutions, strengthening international cooperation, and investing in innovations such as demonstration projects are also seen as essential to maintaining an advantageous competitive position.
The WEX measures the progress of the water sector’s exports, made up of the water technology and delta technology sub-sectors. Taking 2000 (100) as the baseline year, the WEX index achieved a value of 229 in 2022. Apart from statistical information, the WEX draws on surveys among companies on which the forecasts for 2023 and 2024 are based.
The WEX report was compiled by Panteia and was commissioned by the Netherlands Water Partnership in partnership with Water Alliance and the Top sector Water & Maritime. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management financed the report.
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Should you have any questions, please contact NWP Team Lead Business Relations Arjan Braamskamp (a.braamskamp@nwp.nl) or NWP Project Officer Marketing and Communications Patricia Haverkamp (p.haverkamp@nwp.nl).
Featured NWP members: Panteia
Featured NWP partners: Water Alliance