Country Snapshot - Uganda
Uganda’s horticulture sector has potential for further growth into the Dutch market, particularly if supply-chain reliability and quality standards are met.
Trade and economic snapshot
In 2024, the Netherlands imported goods worth US$192.8 million from Uganda. Trading Economics Top imported products included cocoa/cocoa preparations (~US$78.95 m), live plants/cut flowers (~US$55.65 m), and coffee/tea/spices (~US$40.66 m) Trading Economics
Key product flows
Horticulture & floriculture (live plants/bulbs/cut flowers) feature prominently.
Agricultural commodities (coffee/tea/spices, cocoa) are important export goods to the Netherlands.
Other categories such as oil-seeds/grains, fish/seafood appear at lower levels.
Opportunities & considerations
Uganda’s horticulture sector has potential for further growth into the Dutch market, particularly if supply-chain reliability and quality standards are met.
The Netherlands’ demand for niche/quality produce (flowers, specialty coffee/tea, value-added agriculture) offers opportunities for Ugandan exporters to move up the value chain.
Dutch importers may look for diversification of supply beyond Kenya, and Uganda can be part of that mix.
Challenges
As in other East African markets, infrastructure (transport, logistics, cold‐chain) remains a constraint.
Market access in Europe requires compliance with EU standards (e.g., for plant health, pesticide residues).
Competition from other suppliers (Kenya, Ethiopia, etc) and global market pressures mean margin and reliability matter.
Invitation to comment
For those active in Ugandan exports: what are the biggest bottlenecks you face entering the Dutch market (logistics, certification, product standards, market awareness)?
What kinds of Dutch importers or wholesalers are you in contact with — are they predominately large chains, niche specialist importers, or other?
Topics
Trade Statistics-Netherlands-East Africa (2025 )
In recent years, the Netherlands has continued to be a major open economy and global trading hub
Country Snapshot - Kenya
Major imports from Kenya into the Netherlands and Kenya’s exports to the Netherlands.
Country Snapshot - Uganda
Uganda’s horticulture sector has potential for further growth into the Dutch market, particularly if supply-chain reliability and quality standards are met.
Top 10 Products Imported by the Netherlands from Africa
Recent country-specific bilateral data to that sketch some of the key product flows and infer what might feature highly.
Country Snapshot - Ethiopia
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