Dutch exports to Britain fell 2% in the first six months of this year compared with the year earlier period, according to new trade figures from national statistics office CBS.

By contrast, Dutch exports to the rest of the European Union were up 11% on the first half of 2016. In 2015 and 2016, exports to Britain rose more than to the rest of the EU.

Exports to Britain fell to €19.4bn, of which almost €10m was due the decline in the export of products manufactured in the Netherlands. However, excluding the export of an oil rig, which boosted the 2016 first half, exports to Britain were virtually stable, the CBS said.

The drop in the price of sterling also had an effect. Goods priced in euros were almost 10% more expensive for British importers during the period.

Some 7.5% of Dutch exports go to Britain, making it the third biggest export destination behind Germany and Belgium.