Belgium Trade, Exports and Imports

 Being centrally located in the European continent, Belgium’s trade is the hallmark of all its activities. Belgium’s trade is further helped by its well developed transportation network, diversified commercial and industrial base.[br] 

 Being centrally located in the European continent, Belgium’s trade is the hallmark of all its activities. Belgium’s trade is further helped by its well developed transportation network, diversified commercial and industrial base.[br] 

However, as Belgium must import a substantial amount of raw material to flourish, the nation relies heavily on imports and thus is exposed to global market volatility. Thus, the year 2008-09 proved challenging for the country. The GDP dipped from $394.9 billion in 2008 to $381.4 billion in 2009. 

Belgium Trade, Exports and Imports

As raw materials and natural resources are not sufficient, the balance of trade is usually towards imports and thus there is always some trade deficit in Belgium.

 

According to the 2009 estimates, Belgium had an export volume of $296.1 billion and ranked 13^th in the world. This, however, showed a tremendous drop from the 2008 figures, which shone bright at $371.5 billion. The various export commodities include:

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals

• Finished diamonds

• Metals and metal products

• Foodstuffs

 

The following countries are the biggest export partners of Belgium:

• Germany

• France

• Netherlands

• UK

• US

• Italy 

This is how the aforementioned countries contribute (in percentage)

 

The trade balance is slightly skewed towards imports. According to the 2009 estimates, Belgium reported its import volume at $315 billion and ranked 11^th in the world. This was, however, lower than the 2008 figure of $387.7 billion.

 

The various imported commodities are:

• Raw materials

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals

• Raw diamonds

• Pharmaceuticals

• Foodstuffs

• Transportation equipment

• Oil products[br]

 

The various Belgium import partners are:

• Netherlands

• Germany

• France

• UK

• US

• China

 

This is how the aforementioned countries contribute (in percentage)

 

 

Overall, Germany and the Netherlands remain major trading partners of Belgium.