Houston will soon welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, drawing teams and fans from across the globe. Among the countries competing in Houston are Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal — three of the region’s top international trading partners.  

Strong trade, business investment and cultural ties have linked these markets for years, and the World Cup provides a unique opportunity to deepen those relationships while showcasing Houston as a global hub for business, travel and international collaboration. 

The Netherlands 

The Netherlands is Houston’s largest international trading partner. Trade between the two reached $32.7 billion in 2025, more than four times the $7.8 billion recorded in 2016, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Facts. The Houston–Galveston Customs District is also the No. 1 U.S. gateway for trade with the Netherlands. 

31 Houston companies operate subsidiaries in the Netherlands, while 41 Dutch firms have operations in the Houston area. Manufacturing accounts for more than 30 percent of Dutch business activity in the region. KLM and United Airlines operate 14 weekly nonstop flights between Houston and Amsterdam, connecting the two global hubs. 

Germany 

Germany is Houston’s sixth-largest international trading partner. Trade between the two totaled $16.1 billion in 2025. The Houston-Galveston Customs District is also the fifth busiest gateway for U.S.-Germany trade. 

German companies have a strong footprint in the Houston area. 88 German firms operate 145 locations across Houston, making Germany the fourth-largest source of foreign-owned businesses in the region. Manufacturing accounts for nearly 56 percent of those operations. Companies with a Houston presence include Siemens, BASF and Brenntag. Meanwhile, 34 Houston companies have 68 subsidiaries in Germany. 

Direct flights help support business and travel between the two markets. Lufthansa and United Airlines operate 20 weekly nonstop flights from Houston to Frankfurt and Munich. Houston and Leipzig, Germany have also been sister cities since 1992, a long-standing partnership focused on fostering cultural and economic cooperation. 

Portugal 

While smaller in scale, Houston’s relationship with Portugal continues to grow. Trade between the two totaled $830 million in 2025, up from just $219 million in 2016. The Houston-Galveston Customs District is also the third busiest gateway for U.S.-Portugal trade. 

Several Houston companies operate in Portugal, including American Bureau of Shipping and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, helping strengthen ties across technology, energy and maritime industries. 

Strengthening Global Ties 

The Greater Houston Partnership, in collaboration with Houston First, the FIFA World Cup 26 Host Committee and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, is traveling to all three countries on an economic development trade mission to foster long-term collaboration, expand trade opportunities and promote Houston as a global destination for business, travel and major international events. 

Explore what makes Houston a great global city.