Belgium as a Strong Economic Partner

Belgium and the U.S. enjoy a strong bilateral trade and investment relationship. Belgium plays a major role in the U.S. economy as the U.S. is Belgium’s largest export destination outside the EU. Belgium ranks as the 14th largest export market for the U.S. and the 12th largest foreign investor in the U.S. This close economic partnership has a tangible impact, supporting over 230,000 American jobs.

Belgian companies are deeply embedded in the American economy, with a strong footprint in advanced sectors such as cancer treatment, nuclear research, clean energy, wastewater management, chemicals, port logistics, and aerospace. Belgian manufacturing facilities alone employ thousands of American workers. 

Beyond industry and innovation, Belgium also has an important presence in the food and beverage sector, bringing flavor to American life through our world-renowned beers, chocolate, speculoos cookies, and waffles. 
 

Investing in the U.S.: Belgium’s Deep Economic Footprint in the U.S.

Belgium and the U.S. share a sizeable investment relationship, with over $130bn in mutual investments. Belgian companies established in the U.S. directly support 80,000 jobs in the U.S., with operations spanning advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and food & beverage. Meanwhile, the U.S. is the largest foreign investor in Belgium, reinforcing the depth and two-way nature of this critical economic bond. 

Trading with America: a $75 Billion Partnership Built on Value and Volume 

Belgium is a Top 20 trading partner of the U.S., with total bilateral trade exceeding $75bn annually. The U.S. is Belgium’s top non-EU trading partner – its #1 customer and supplier outside Europe, and #4 globally. Key exports from the U.S. to Belgium include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. These exports support more than 150,000 jobs in the U.S.. Belgian exports to the U.S. include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and transportation equipment. Belgium’s strategic location, world-class logistics, and multimodal infrastructure make it an ideal hub for U.S. companies. 

• The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe’s most sophisticated logistics hub and is home to the second biggest chemical cluster in the world (after Houston). It maintains a robust corridor with U.S. ports, particularly Houston, and offers unmatched access to 450 million European customers. 
• In 2023, pharmaceutical trade alone totaled $15bn, with the U.S. exporting $8.2bn and importing $6.9bn. 
• Trade in services reached more than $12.5bn in 2024 with $6.3bn in exports and roughly the same value in imports.