Belgian trade mission heads to California amid Trump’s trade war

Despite a US government shutdown and renewed trade tensions under president Donald Trump’s second term, Belgium is pressing ahead with a major trade mission to California.

The nine-day mission, led by Princess Astrid, brings together more than 500 participants, including politicians, business leaders, universities and trade federations, making it one of Belgium’s largest delegations abroad. 

Stops include San Francisco and Los Angeles, with visits to tech giants such as Nvidia, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as NASA’s research centre. In Los Angeles, the focus shifts to entertainment, sport and Belgium’s horse industry.

Top officials from federal, Flemish, Walloon and Brussels governments are attending, though the rectors of Ghent University and VUB declined, citing the current US political climate. BNP Paribas Fortis chief economist Koen De Leus said the mission made sense, noting California’s strong economy, climate leadership and concentration of tech firms.

Belgium already ranks 23rd among foreign investors in California, with 123 Belgian companies employing nearly 4,500 people. “There is still room for growth”, said De Leus.

The mission runs from 4 to 12 October.

^{US Embassy to Belgium, Deputy Chief of Mission Kathleen Lively, Princess Astrid of Belgium and Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken pictured during a press briefing on the Belgian economic mission to USA West Coast © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}