The Dutch transport sector and manufacturing industry are the most vulnerable to new coronavirus measures taken by other countries, according to a report by the government’s macro-economic think-tank CPB and national statistics agency CBS.

Both sectors are heavily dependent on exports and thus likely to be hardest hit by a second wave abroad which dampens demand, the agencies said. Exports fell 15% in the second quarter of this year.

According to the CBS, one third of Dutch jobs are directly or indirectly dependent on trade.

‘Companies which have been hit by the downturn in exports are not going to be in the danger zone immediately,’ the researchers said. ‘But there is a risk they could be affected by the loss of demand following a second coronavirus wave abroad.’

Should there be a second wave worldwide, the government would be able to bring in measures to support such companies, the researchers said.