Belgium, due to its geographic location at the heart of Europe, has a highly open economy to trade and represents an important partner for Italy, particularly in commercial relations. With trade volumes experiencing significant advances, Italy and Belgium rank among each other’s top 6-7 markets of mutual interest.
In 2023, the overall trade between Italy and Belgium showed positive growth, exceeding the record figure of 46 billion euros.
In 2023, Italian exports to Belgium surpassed 19 billion euros, while imports nearly reached 27 billion euros. Italy’s trade balance with Belgium resulted in a deficit of approximately 7.4 billion euros. The top three sectors for Italian exports include pharmaceuticals, chemical-medicinal and botanical products, machinery and appliances, as well as food, beverages, and tobacco.
Italian entrepreneurial presence in Belgium is substantial, qualified, and diversified. Major Italian groups with significant investments include: A2A, Autogrill, Ariston Thermo, Beltrami, Burgo, Calzedonia, Case New Holland, Ardennes, CNH Industrial, Duferco, Eni, Enel, Ferrero, Fenzi, Fiat, Grimaldi, ITA Airways, Mapei, Menarini, MSC, Pastificio Rana, Polimeri Europa, Pirelli, Riva, Save, Sofidel, Stmicroelectronics, FNC Logistica e Trasporti, Tecnolam, Aluk, IMI FABI, and Borghi. Noteworthy investments also include Leonardo with Telespazio Belgium and Save’s stake acquisition in Charleroi Airport.
In Belgium, the Italian System is well-established to support Italian businesses, including: