Top U.S. exports to Belgium include chemicals and petrochemicals, as well as plastics and machinery.  Post considers the following sectors to be major existing or developing opportunities for U.S. exporters (in alphabetical order):  Energy, ICT Services, Medical Devices, Safety and Security, and Travel & Tourism.  As the host of NATO and EU headquarters, and hundreds of other international organizations, Belgium also offers opportunities for specific projects on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium’s central location in the wealthiest region of Europe makes it an ideal gateway for exports to destinations throughout Europe.  Within a radius of 300 miles, 140 million EU consumers can be reached, representing 60% of Europe’s purchasing power.

Belgium is also widely considered to be a leading test market.  Belgium contains a few distinctly separate socio-demographic groups such as the Dutch-speaking Flemish and the French-speaking Walloons.  The Belgian economy largely reflects the overall European economy and consumer, a mini-Europe that is easier to enter than starting operations in larger European markets. 

Moreover, Belgian productivity levels are the result of high investment in the quality of its labor force.  Because of its location and history, the educational system in Belgium is highly oriented towards the instruction of foreign languages.  U.S. companies contemplating the Belgian market will be encouraged by the large number of English speakers.