The first table shows datas about exports passing through the port of Rotterdam and shipped to different destinations around the world; the second one compares the tariffs imposed by the countries in which those goods arrive. The years taken into account are 2002 and 2012.
For what concerns the total balance of exports, in 2012 a increase of almost 1500 millions of tonnes was registered compared to 2002: from 17150 to 18600. Although these positive data, the commerce with various destinations is actually decreased. It’s the case of the export towards the USA, that is passed from 4200 to 3900 millions of tonnes, even though the taxes imposed by the destination country went from 3% to 2%. Also the shipments to other European cities were lower in 2012, from 6900 to 6400 millions of tonnes, with an increase in the tariffs, from 5% to 8%. The same trend can be found in the commerce with China, passing from 2400 to 2300 millions of tones, to which it was applied a 2% tax, and with Latin America, from 1800 to 1500 million of tonnes,
In constrast, the exports towards Asia Pacific passed from 800 to 2550 million of tonnes, to which it was imposed a 2% tax, in contrast with the 5% of the 2002. The same situation happened with the commerce towards Australia, that went from 700 to 2300 millions of tones, passing from a 4% to a 1% tariff.
Shipments with other destinations remained invaried, both in the amounts, 350 millions of tonnes, and in the tariffs applied, 2%.
In general, the countries of destination that increased their taxes on the imports, registered a decrease in the amount of goods moving through Rotterdam, with the exception of the USA. On the other hand, Asia Pacific and Australia experienced a development in the shipments of more than 300%, and a simultaneous cut in the tariffs.