Belgium records 12.5 per cent drop in exports to US in second quarter
Belgian exports to the United States fell by 12.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, according to figures released on Thursday by the National Bank of Belgium. This decline follows a surge of over 20 per cent in the first quarter, when exporters brought forward shipments to avoid new import tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump in April.
Belgium’s overall trade surplus for the first half of 2025 reached 11.6 billion euros, up from 10.4 billion euros in the same period the previous year. Imports fell 1.3 per cent year-on-year to 240.9 billion euros, while exports edged down 0.7 per cent to 252.5 billion euros. The improvement in the trade balance was mainly driven by exports of machinery and electrical equipment, as well as chemical and pharmaceutical products, which performed relatively strongly despite global trade headwinds.
In the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, exports rose by 1.3 per cent in the first half of the year, while imports fell by 1.4 per cent. Looking at Q2 alone, Belgian imports decreased by 4.4 per cent, while exports fell by 1.2 per cent. Shipments to the US were among the hardest hit, while imports from the US increased by 9.5 per cent over the same period.
These figures emerge as the United States implements a series of new tariffs. Measures already in force include 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, and from 1 August, copper imports, as well as a 25 per cent tariff on imported cars, engines and parts. The US has also removed its 800-dollar 'de minimis' exemption for low-value imports from most trading partners, following an earlier decision to exclude goods from China and Hong Kong from the scheme. Trump has also threatened to impose a 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceutical imports, although no timetable has been announced.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued an ambitious tariff agenda, imposing higher duties on certain countries while offering concessions to others through bilateral deals. Although his administration claims that the tariffs will support domestic industry and jobs, economists argue that the measures are disrupting supply chains and creating additional costs for importers and consumers worldwide.
An employee moves Delirium beer pallets for shipment to the US at Huyghe Brewery, as Belgian brewers rush exports ahead of US tariffs. © Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP
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