Representatives from sectors affected by US tariffs have called on Belgium’s Minister for SMEs, Eléonore Simonet (MR), to develop robust structural support measures in response to the crisis.
During this first meeting, representatives from affected sectors—SMEs, the Higher Council for the Self-Employed and SMEs, the Minister of the Economy, and Inasti—demanded increased support for SME competitiveness, the end of eased state aid, and stronger trade relations, according to the minister’s cabinet.
The stakeholders expressed concerns about Europe avoiding a "trade war escalation." A survey discussed in the meeting on Thursday revealed that only 13% of SMEs were in favour of Europe increasing its tariffs, highlighting the need for a clear stance from the European Commission on these tariffs.
Some sectors raised concerns about potential relocation risks, impacts on the internal market and domestic consumption, and the need for temporary measures, yet emphasised a preference for structural solutions, as noted by the cabinet.
The minister plans to assess these points with her departments to explore possible actions.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for late June, with the 90-day moratorium by US President Donald Trump concluding on 14 July.
According to the National Bank, 5,617 Belgian companies export to the United States, with nearly 92% employing fewer than 250 people.
