Half of Limburg exporters look beyond the US

Half of exporting companies in Belgium’s Limburg province are turning to markets outside the United States, according to a survey by business groups VKW Limburg and Unizo Limburg.

The shift comes amid continued uncertainty over US trade policy under president Donald Trump, who has again used import tariffs and trade barriers as economic and political tools. Although the EU and the US have reached a trade agreement, companies say obstacles remain in practice.

The survey shows that 52% of Limburg firms trading with the US expect their exports there to fall this year, while 18% plan to cut imports from America. In total, 58% of exporters are actively searching for new overseas markets.

One in four internationally active firms expects a clear impact from current trade tensions, while 20% are still unsure about the effects. Just over half believe their foreign activities will not be affected, largely because they focus on regions other than the US.

Despite concerns, some businesses see opportunity. A quarter of companies trading with America think market shifts could actually boost their exports there, and one in three plans to increase investment in the US, supporting Washington’s aim to encourage foreign firms to produce locally.

Companies are also reporting indirect effects, such as rising raw material prices and tougher competition in Europe from Chinese goods redirected away from the US market.

When looking for alternatives, Limburg exporters are mainly targeting Southeast Asia and South America. India is also attracting growing interest after a recent trade deal. More than a third of firms seeking to diversify exports names it as a promising destination.

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