We see that the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland trade considerably more with the United States than with many other countries.

A$.$ This is explained by the gravity model, since they do not share borders.

B$.$ This fails to be consistent with the gravity model, since these are small countries.

C$.$ This is explained by the gravity model, since these are all small countries.

D$.$ This fails to be consistent with the gravity model, since these are large countries.

E$.$ This is explained by the gravity model, since these are all large countries.