Global trade is under pressure. The re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States brings geopolitical uncertainty and puts international supply chains on edge. Protectionist trade measures, import tariffs, and the revision of trade agreements are making production outside of Europe not only riskier, but also more expensive and less reliable.
For European manufacturers, this is a clear signal: it’s time to re-evaluate production processes. More and more companies are choosing to bring production closer to home. Reshoring—the return of production to Europe—offers a strategic solution and reinforces the position of the Netherlands as a high-quality production location.
Protectionism and uncertainty: lessons from Trump’s first term
Trump’s “America First” policy had already led to tariff barriers and trade wars during his first presidency (2017–2021). Among the measures introduced were:
✔Import tariffs on steel and aluminum from the EU – complicating European companies’ exports to the US;
✔Renegotiation of trade agreements – the US partially withdrew from global trade accords, creating uncertainty in international trade;
✔New sanctions and tariff walls against China – affecting global supply chains and raising raw material costs.
Now that he has been re-elected, it is expected that protectionist measures will be further expanded. This presents new risks for European manufacturers, especially for companies that rely on imports from the US or China.
The Netherlands as a reshoring hub: stable, innovative, and sustainable
In recent years, the Netherlands has developed into one of the most attractive production locations in Europe. With advanced automation, a well-regulated market, and a strong focus on sustainability, the Netherlands offers a future-proof solution for companies looking to reconsider their production strategies.
By choosing Dutch production, companies benefit from:
✔Maximum delivery certainty – no worries about import tariffs or disruptions in global supply chains;
✔Lower transport costs and shorter delivery times – reduced dependency on international logistics networks;
✔Complete quality control – European production standards ensure precision, reliability, and innovation;
✔Sustainable and circular manufacturing – local production minimizes CO₂ emissions and enhances the circular economy;
✔Future-proof business operations – independence from geopolitical developments and changing trade agreements.
A strategic choice for the future
Betech Mass Turning anticipated this development. In 2023, Betech emphasized the importance of nearshoring and has since optimized its production capacity and automation to enable reshoring immediately. With fully automated production processes, a focus on circular manufacturing, and energy-saving techniques, Betech offers European companies a stable and sustainable supply chain.
100% European certified materials
All materials used by Betech are sourced from certified European suppliers. This not only guarantees the highest quality standards but also ensures an ethically responsible and sustainable production chain. By exclusively working with European materials, the supply chain remains transparent and reliable, free from dependency on distant markets.
With global trade in flux, the shift to local production is no longer just a trend, but a necessary strategic decision. The uncertainty surrounding international trade agreements, rising import costs, and complex logistics chains make reshoring to the Netherlands a smart move for companies investing in a sustainable and reliable future.
Reshoring is not a future vision—it is a reality. Companies that choose to produce in the Netherlands now not only strengthen their competitive position but also make their supply chain future-proof. The question is not whether companies should reshore, but who will make the first strategic move.
