Exporting to Europe: country by country
Despite its ancient heritage, Europe remains one of the world's most vibrant investment markets. Belgian companies have a strong track record of successful exports to European countries. For Brussels-based businesses, the European market is by far the largest single export destination for goods and services, offering the added advantage of favorable trade conditions within the European Union.
Below, you'll find an overview of key growth sectors in various European countries (this overview will be gradually completed). Our comprehensive dossier (available for download in PDF format) provides in-depth information on each market, including general data, economic indicators, political landscapes, technological environments, business cultures, legislative aspects, and local contacts.
For any questions, the hub.brussels team is at your service.
Denmark
Denmark, boasting one of the highest GDPs globally, presents a compelling opportunity for businesses based in Brussels.
Key sectors: Life sciences, sustainable construction, circular economy, organic food, technology/ICT
France
France is Belgium's second-largest export market. Relations between entrepreneurs in the two countries are particularly dynamic enhanced by geographical and cultural proximity.
Sectors: Food industry, digital technology, healthcare, construction, fashion, creative and cultural industries
Germany
Germany is Europe's economic powerhouse and the world's third-largest economy after the USA and China.
Key sectors: Life sciences, industry decarbonization, sustainable construction, circular economy
Italy
Boasting a robust industry and diverse export ecosystem, Italy's economy is underpinned by excellent infrastructure and expertise in high-quality production.
Key sectors: Digital market, software/industry, fintech, sustainable construction and architecture, green technologies (energy, environment, circular economy).
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the world's largest and most open markets. Its broadly diversified economy ranks 6th in Europe.
Key sectors : agri-food, creative industries, healthcare, digital health & wellness, energy transition, e-commerce, high-tech systems and materials/
Exporting to the Netherlands (PDF)
Poland
Poland is a dynamic economy in Central and Eastern Europe with a large domestic market that appeals to Brussels entrepreneurs.
Key sectors: organic food, health & biomedical, property technology & architecture, audiovisual, govtech & citizentech.
Serbia
Serbia is the largest market in the Western Balkans, with around 7 million inhabitants. It often serves as a hub for companies accessing the wider regional market.
Sectors: construction, green technologies, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, industrial equipment, technology & know-how transfer.
Spain
Occupying a strategic position within the EU, Spain offers gateways to North Africa and Latin America. Catalonia is one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities, with its own government, flag and language.
Key sectors: food industry, industry 4.0, ICT, green/circular/blue economy, health and biotechnology, social economy, tourism.
Sweden
Stockholm has a strong start-up culture and has become the Nordic tech hub. It is home to many unicorns, such as Skype, Spotify, King, Mojang (bought by Microsoft), and Klarna. Key sectors: technology, energy, smart industry & logistics, life sciences, sustainable construction
Switzerland
The Swiss economy is mainly made up of SMEs. Over 70% of Switzerland's GDP is generated by the service sector.
Sectors: information and communication technology (ICT), chemicals and pharmaceuticals, medtech and biotech, cleantech, financial services, sustainable construction, international organizations.
Exporting to Switzerland (PDF)
Türkiye
Türkiye occupies a unique position as a crucial bridge between Europe and the Middle East, making it a valuable trading partner for the European Union. Its strategic location facilitates robust trade flows in both imports and exports, offering diverse opportunities for Brussels-based businesses.
Sectors: technology and services, life sciences, creative and cultural Industries (CCI), food and beverage
United Kingdom
Despite Brexit, the UK remains a vast and attractive market of 60 million consumers, continually drawing global investment.
Key sectors: Food & beverage, sustainable construction, technology, legal services, finance.
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