The Netherlands earns most from exporting machines and machinery parts, according to new figures from national statistics office CBS.

Machines for making micro-chips and for the food industry – such as slaughterhouse systems – top the list of high-earning exports, generating added value of €16bn last year, the CBS said. This is up 25% on 2017.

Next on the list was metal, such as steel and steel products, with €6bn, followed by the ornamental flower, tree and bulb industry, which added €5.5bn to the economy.

Gas, high-quality plastics, meat, dairy products, pharmaceuticals and chemicals also generated significant sums, the CBS said.