Flanders exported goods worth €418 billion in 2024, marking a 3.7% decrease compared to 2023 but still the third-highest export figure ever.
“Flanders thrives on international trade. Exports and investments are the lifeblood of our prosperity,” said Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele.
Statistics Flanders attributes the decline to a slowdown in global trade. The primary reasons for the drop in Flemish exports were reduced exports of petroleum and natural gas, organic chemical products, and precious stones and diamonds.
Approximately 65% of Flemish exports went to other EU countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Flanders remains the fifth-largest exporter within the EU27 and the 15th largest in the world.
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Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automobiles, chocolate, and mineral products continue to be Flanders’ strongholds. Flanders remains Belgium’s export engine, accounting for 82% of the country’s total exports.
While Flanders primarily exports to neighbouring countries, other European nations are becoming increasingly important. Exports to Spain rose by 8.5%, and to Poland by 3.5%.
“This diversification of export destinations within Europe makes Flanders more resilient against additional trade tariffs from the United States,” explained Diependaele. “Despite the US’s protectionist stance, they remain our fifth-largest export destination, accounting for 6.3% (€26.4 billion) of our total exports.”
“The ongoing geopolitical tensions are particularly challenging for our companies, but Flanders has always adapted well to the international market. We must ensure we can sustain ourselves, making further reform of the internal market crucial to creating new opportunities for our businesses both within and outside the EU,” added Diependaele.
