The strengths of each port
Rotterdam is strongest in deep-sea containers, energy and bulk goods. It has strong barge and rail links to Germany and beyond. Antwerp is strongest in chemicals and breakbulk, with many businesses in its own inland area. For most Asian container shipments, the sailings and rates are similar, and shipping lines call at both ports.
Shipping through Rotterdam? See the steps to import and store your goods in the Netherlands.
The VAT regime of your entity
With the Dutch Article 23 deferment or the Belgian ET14000 licence, you declare the import VAT in your VAT return. The details of the two regimes differ. In the Netherlands, you use the licence of a representative or of your own BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company). You can also use bonded warehouse options, and you can work in English.
One entity, both ports
A Dutch BV can clear cargo in Antwerp as easily as in Rotterdam. The EU is one customs territory, and you can use the EORI number at both ports. You choose the shipping line for each shipment on commercial grounds. Choose the entity for your structure, and choose the port for each shipment separately.
Compare the Netherlands with Ireland and Germany on tax, substance, running costs and time. See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for a foreign parent company.
Are the Dutch terms new to you? Start with company formation in the Netherlands for non-residents. There you can read about the legal forms, the documents, the costs and the comparison with Germany.
Comparing countries
To compare the Netherlands with Germany and Belgium as a base, see the entry-point comparison.