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Belgium
(information)
Population as of 2020: 11.49 million
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Region: Europe
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $664.6 billion
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Top Exports
Belgium exported roughly **$600–630 billion in goods in 2024**, with a highly specialized structure centered on **chemicals, pharmaceuticals, refined fuels, machinery, and diamonds (trade hub role)**. | Rank | Export Category | Notes | | ---- | ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Pharmaceuticals** | Largest sector; Belgium is a major global pharma hub. | | 2 | **Chemicals (organic & inorganic)** | Strong petrochemical industry (Antwerp cluster). | | 3 | **Mineral fuels (refined petroleum products)** | Major refining and trading hub. | | 4 | **Machinery (industrial equipment)** | Engines, manufacturing equipment. | | 5 | **Electrical machinery & electronics** | Industrial and consumer electronics. | | 6 | **Plastics & plastic articles** | Industrial materials. | | 7 | **Vehicles (cars & parts)** | Automotive exports and re-exports. | | 8 | **Precious stones (diamonds)** | Antwerp is a global diamond trading center. | | 9 | **Food & beverages** | Chocolate, processed foods. | | 10 | **Metals (iron, steel, aluminum)** | Industrial materials. | Key individual export products (by value) | Rank | Product | Estimated Value (USD) | | ---- | ------------------------------------------ | --------------------- | | 11 | **Medicaments (packaged pharmaceuticals)** | ~$70–90 billion | | 12 | **Refined petroleum products** | ~$50–70 billion | | 13 | **Diamonds (cut and traded)** | ~$30–50 billion | | 14 | **Chemical products (organic chemicals)** | ~$30–50 billion | | 15 | **Plastics in primary forms** | ~$20–30 billion | | 16 | **Motor vehicles** | ~$20–30 billion | | 17 | **Industrial machinery** | ~$20–30 billion | | 18 | **Electrical equipment** | ~$20–30 billion | | 19 | **Chocolate & confectionery** | ~$5–10 billion | | 20 | **Steel & metal products** | ~$10–20 billion | Key Takeaways * **Pharma powerhouse:** Belgium is one of the world’s leading exporters of **pharmaceuticals**. * **Chemical hub:** The **Antwerp petrochemical cluster** is one of the largest globally. * **Trade hub role:** Large exports of **diamonds and fuels** reflect Belgium’s role in **global trading and re-exports**. * **Diversified industry:** Mix of **chemicals, machinery, vehicles, and food products**. Top Importers of Belgium’s Exports | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Germany** | Largest partner; chemicals, machinery, vehicles. | | 2 | **France** | Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial goods. | | 3 | **Netherlands** | Close integration; fuels, chemicals, re-exports. | | 4 | **United States** | Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and high-value goods. | | 5 | **United Kingdom** | Chemicals, machinery, and food products. | | 6 | **Italy** | Industrial goods, machinery, and chemicals. | | 7 | **Spain** | Fuels, chemicals, and manufactured goods. | | 8 | **China** | Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds. | | 9 | **Poland** | Growing EU partner; machinery and industrial goods. | | 10 | **Switzerland** | Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and financial-linked trade. | Key Patterns * **EU dominates heavily**: * Most top partners are **European countries**, reflecting Belgium’s central location in the EU. * **Germany is #1**: * Deep industrial and supply-chain integration makes Germany the largest market. * **Trade hub effect**: * Belgium exports a large volume of **re-exported goods (especially chemicals and fuels)**. * **Global reach**: * The **U.S. and China** are key non-European markets for **pharmaceuticals and high-value goods**.
