Belgium Trade Surplus Widens in May

Belgium's trade surplus widened to EUR 4,271.9 million in May 2026, up from EUR 1,908.1 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 4.2% to EUR 43,464.5 million, supported by stronger shipments to both EU member states (3.6%) and non-EU countries (5.5%). Meanwhile, imports fell 1.5% to EUR 39,192.6 million, reflecting an 8.4% decline in purchases from non-EU countries, which more than offset a 2.7% increase in imports from EU member states. Over the first five months of 2026, the trade surplus widened substantially to EUR 14,799.5 million, compared with EUR 8,751.2 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Belgium’s trade surplus widened to EUR 4,326.4 billion in April 2026 from EUR 3,464.6 million in the corresponding month of the previous year. Exports rose 5.1% year-on-year to EUR 44,693.1 million, driven by higher shipments to both the EU countries (4.3%) and non-EU countries (7%). Meanwhile, imports grew 3.4% to EUR 40,366.7 million, driven largely by increased purchases from both the EU countries (2.8%) and non-EU countries (4.5%). Over the first four months of the year, the country posted a trade surplus of EUR 14,799.4 million, significantly higher than EUR 6,843.2 million in the same period a year earlier.

Belgium’s trade surplus soared to a record high of EUR 6,463.7 million in March 2026, widening sharply from EUR 488.1 million in the corresponding month of the previous year. Year-on-year, exports climbed 6.3% to EUR 47,185.6 million, the highest since October 2024, driven by increased shipments to EU countries (9.4%), while exports to non-EU countries edged lower (-0.5%). Meanwhile, imports declined by 7.2% to EUR 40,721.9 million, weighed down by reduced purchases from both EU countries (-2.5%) and non-EU countries (-14.7%). Over the first three months of the year, the country posted a trade surplus of EUR 13,500.1 million, significantly higher than EUR 3,378.5 million in the same period a year earlier.