Discontinuation of Netherlands Antilles as a Trade Entity
The Netherlands Antilles was dissolved as a political entity on October 10, 2010, resulting in the separation into Curaçao and Sint Maarten as autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba becoming special municipalities of the Netherlands. Trade data and agreements specific to the Netherlands Antilles are no longer applicable.
October 10, 2010
Impact: Trade statistics and agreements for Optical instruments and appliances (HS Code: 90) between the United States and the Netherlands Antilles are obsolete. Trade is now reported under the successor entities (e.g., Curaçao, Sint Maarten).
Historical Trade Data for Optical Instruments Released by U.S. Census Bureau
The U.S. Census Bureau released final trade data for the Netherlands Antilles before its dissolution, showing a decline in exports of optical instruments and appliances (HS Code: 90) from the U.S. to the region in 2009-2010.
March 15, 2011
Impact: Provides a benchmark for historical trade analysis, but no longer relevant for current trade planning due to the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.
U.S. Updates Trade Reporting for Former Netherlands Antilles Territories
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that trade reporting for optical instruments and other goods with the former Netherlands Antilles would be reclassified under new country codes for Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the BES Islands.
January 1, 2011
Impact: Direct trade data for the Netherlands Antilles is discontinued, affecting how historical comparisons and trade policies are analyzed for optical instruments (HS Code: 90).
