Analysis
The Netherlands has been a global trading hub for centuries, with its economy heavily reliant on exports (e.g., agriculture, logistics, and technology). Rutte’s call for openness aligns with Dutch policy, including EU advocacy for free trade and resistance to protectionism during the 2018–2019 period, when U.S.-China tariffs and Brexit dominated headlines. His statement is consistent with official Dutch government positions and economic data from 2019, such as the Netherlands ranking as the **EU’s 2nd-largest exporter** (after Germany) per [CBS/WTO stats]. No evidence suggests the claim was exaggerated or false.
Background
The Netherlands’ economy has been trade-centric since the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), with modern policies emphasizing global integration. In 2019, protectionism was rising (e.g., Trump’s tariffs, Brexit), but the Netherlands—home to Europe’s largest port (Rotterdam)—publicly opposed trade barriers, advocating for multilateral agreements like the **EU-Japan EPA** (signed 2018). Rutte’s speech echoed this stance, framing openness as both historic and necessary.
Verdict summary
Mark Rutte’s 2019 statement accurately reflects the Netherlands' long-standing trade-dependent economy and its historical stance on openness, even amid global protectionist trends at the time.