Water Sector Export Index 2021–2022

Current situation and future trends

The WEX Report 2021–2022 shows that the growth of the water sector is already bouncing back and that an important part of the Dutch water sector focuses on Europe and North America. The water sector export market share of the total Dutch export declined in 2021, but this is a reflection of the very strong recovery of all Dutch exports and the relatively stable export efforts of the water sector.

In general, the water sector is positive about the recovery and opportunities in 2022. Having said that, the water sector emphasises that the importance of cooperation within the Netherlands is becoming more and more important for success abroad. Offering integrated and cross-sectoral solutions will largely determine the competitiveness of the Dutch water sector. The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) actively supports the Dutch water sector worldwide in exactly these two areas by organising networking and promotional activities that focus on cooperation and integrated and cross-sectoral solutions.

For 2022, both water technology and hydraulic engineering companies expect an average growth of five percent. Markets in neighbouring countries are becoming more and more important. Both delta and water technology companies see opportunities in Germany and the United Kingdom. Outside Europe, the United States, Canada and Kenya are important countries for market opportunities.

Important global water topics are the climate and sustainability. Some of the themes mentioned are circularity, drought, the energy transition, water safety, water reuse and climate adaption.

About the report

The research for this edition of the WEX was finalised at the end of 2021, before the start of the energy crisis and increasing geo-political tensions.

The research was carried out by Panteia within the framework of the Dutch Government’s Partners for Water Programme. NWP, Water Alliance and ENVAQUA initiated the survey. 

The report, in Dutch, can be downloaded here.