With a population of over 11.7 million people, a GDP of nearly $590 billion, and a central position in the European Union, Belgium is a compelling market for U.S. exporters. In 2024, North Dakota exported $56.22 million in goods to Belgium, making it one of the state’s most valuable trade partners within the EU. Belgium’s highly developed infrastructure, multilingual workforce, and strong demand for advanced technology and agricultural goods provide exciting opportunities for North Dakota businesses aiming to expand into Europe.
The NDTO “Finding the Right Fit” series highlights the trade and business opportunities of a different country each month. In this edition, we’ll explore Belgium’s market potential, growing sectors, and how forming an export relationship can benefit your business.
All statistics and information used in the “Finding the Right Fit” series are available through various online programs made accessible through an NDTO membership. To become a member, please contact info@ndto.com or call (701) 231-4323.
Markets & Profitability
In 2024, North Dakota’s top exports to Belgium included vehicles, industrial machinery, pharmaceutical products, edible vegetables, and plastics. These align well with Belgium’s needs as a nation with limited domestic agriculture but a strong food processing and medical manufacturing base. Nationally, Belgium imported over $34 billion in goods from the U.S. last year—particularly machinery, pharmaceuticals, optical and medical instruments, and agricultural products.
Belgium’s economic strengths lie in life sciences, agri-food processing, clean tech, and logistics, creating promising opportunities for North Dakota exporters in these fields. As a leader in food production and pharmaceuticals, Belgium also maintains high demand for U.S.-sourced biotech inputs and food-grade agricultural products. For North Dakota’s advanced manufacturers, Belgium’s demand for precision equipment and clean-energy components offers room to grow.
Expansion
Belgium’s location at the heart of Europe, paired with world-class ports like Antwerp (Europe’s second-largest seaport), makes it an ideal entry point for U.S. goods to access broader European markets. Its proximity to major economies—Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—makes Belgium a strategic base for regional expansion.
The country’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and green energy aligns with many of North Dakota’s key strengths, including precision agriculture, renewable energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. Belgium’s government actively supports foreign investment, especially in strategic sectors like life sciences, clean energy, and digitalization, offering various tax incentives and grants for international partners.
With its high purchasing power, pro-business policies, and role as a European Union hub, Belgium is well-positioned to become a key export market for North Dakota companies.
The Ideal Partner
Still evaluating if Belgium is the right fit for your business? Here are a few reasons why it may be the perfect market to explore:
- Strategic EU Access: Belgium offers immediate access to the European Union’s single market of 450+ million consumers, making it an ideal launchpad for European trade.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Its top-tier logistics, digital connectivity, and transport systems ensure efficient distribution throughout the continent.
- Strong Demand for U.S. Goods: Belgium’s industries rely heavily on imports for high-quality machinery, ag products, and innovative technologies—areas where North Dakota excels.
- English-Proficient and Multilingual Workforce: Communication is seamless, and Belgium’s diverse, well-educated workforce makes it easier to establish and maintain business relationships.
Is Belgium a Compatible Market for You?
Determining the right market fit depends on research, market analysis, and a strong understanding of product demand. However, Belgium’s economic stability, trade-friendly policies, and strategic location within Europe make it an excellent candidate for North Dakota exporters looking to expand internationally.
As always, if you would like more information on exporting abroad or “Finding the Right Fit,” contact the NDTO!