World Cup opponent Curaçao: What connects Saxony's economy to the island

Most people in Saxony probably know the Caribbean island of Curaçao mainly for the orange liqueur of the same name. But by the time the German national soccer team kicks off the World Cup on Sunday, it will be generating a lot of interest here. That’s because Curaçao is the first opponent for the team led by captain Joshua Kimmich. Although the country is autonomous, it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For some companies in Saxony, it is a sales market—albeit a very small one.

Ranked 131st in export statistics

In the list of Saxony’s trading partners, you have to scroll far down to find the island. In 2025, Curaçao ranked 131st in exports and 158th in imports, according to information provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in response to an inquiry from the German Press Agency. According to the data, goods worth 1.138 million euros were sold there—compared to imports of just 7,000 euros. Exports included goods from the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, tools, cutlery, and tableware. By comparison: In 2025, Saxony sold goods worth a total of 50.6 billion euros abroad.

In the past, “Made in Saxony” textiles were also in demand there. “From 2018 to 2024, we were able to supply workwear for senior care homes through a local distributor in Curaçao,” says Grit Hartmann, managing director of Friedrich Wilhelm Kunath GmbH in Großröhrsdorf (Bautzen district), to the German Press Agency. “However, contact has been severed since 2024 due to the rather difficult and costly customs procedures.” The textile industry association vti is currently unaware of any business ties between member companies and Curaçao. 

In other statistics, the Caribbean island is completely invisible. In labor market data, for example, the residents are counted among the Dutch, according to the Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency. Of the 1.63 million employees subject to social insurance contributions in Saxony, 507 held a Dutch passport last year. Whether and how many Curaçaoans were among them cannot be determined, according to a spokeswoman.

Do tourists from Curaçao visit Saxony?

In the tourism sector, too, it is unclear whether local World Heritage sites or Dresden’s magnificent Old Town attract visitors from Curaçao. The island is not considered separately, according to the Tourism Marketing Association. It is classified under the source region of Central America and the Caribbean. A total of 3,300 guests from that region visited the Free State last year—and stayed an average of 2.1 days.