« Go back Made in Italy Thrives in Belgium: Exports Grow by 8.8%
2025 has proven to be a golden year for Italian foreign trade towards Belgium. According to recent data certified by the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and reported by the AISE Agency, Italian exports to the country recorded an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. This result highlights not only the resilience but the genuine penetration capacity of Italian companies in a market that, while representing 3.5% of the European Union's GDP, boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the area (€44,800).
Leading Sectors The success of Made in Italy in Belgian territory is driven by strategic sectors. Pharmaceuticals continue to dominate the scene, but a decisive push during the year also came from food and beverages (with 5.1% growth), transport equipment, and base metals. Belgium thus confirms its status as a fundamental logistical and commercial hub in the heart of Europe, capable of absorbing Italian quality and innovation.
The Role of Federcamere and Value for B2B In this scenario of strong growth, the Federcamere network and B2B platforms play a crucial role. For Italian companies, trade with Belgium is no longer just a matter of direct export, but of integration into high-value-added supply chains.
The Chambers of Commerce abroad and national business portals act as indispensable bridges for SMEs wishing to enter the Brussels market. The presence of a large and well-integrated Italian community (the eighth largest in the world by number of AIRE registrants) further facilitates the creation of stable commercial partnerships. For B2B stakeholders, the data clearly indicates that Belgium is not just a transit destination, but an exacting final market that rewards manufacturing excellence and solid institutional relationships.
The positive trend in trade, which has led the Italian trade balance to a significant surplus, suggests that 2026 will offer further margins for expansion, especially for companies that can leverage digital channels and chamber networks to consolidate their presence in the heart of the EU.