Belgium is a compact and diverse market, located at the crossroads of Europe. It is composed of the francophone Wallonia region to the south, the Dutch speaking Flanders region in the north, and the bilingual capital region of Brussels, in addition to a small community of German speakers. Belgium’s diversity makes it an ideal market for many U.S. firms to test their products before expanding distribution throughout Europe. With a population of 11.35 million people in a territory comparable in size to the state of Maryland, it is densely populated. It enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in Europe, with a relatively balanced income distribution, resulting in widely distributed purchasing power among its residents.

Belgium’s GDP reached $515 billion in 2020, while its bilateral trade with the United States totaled over $48.4 billion in 2020. Distinguished by its major ports (Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe) and first-class logistical infrastructure, a significant portion of bilateral trade either originates in, or is destined for, other countries in Europe.

Often referred to as “the capital of Europe,” the Belgian capital of Brussels is home to the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as hundreds of international institutions, associations, and multinational corporations.