Belgium Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Belgium's trade openness was 167.79% in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 5.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Belgium's trade openness stood at 167.79% in 2025, a rise of +8.85% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 167.79% by 2025. Belgium ranked 19th globally.
Belgium’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has risen markedly since the earliest World Bank record in 1970 (87.73) and now stands at 167.79 in 2025, ranking nineteenth worldwide. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 191.18 in 2022, following a long‑term upward trajectory that began after the early‑1970s trough of 85.21 in 1972, a period characterised by post‑oil‑crisis protectionism across Europe. The recent level is closely aligned with peers such as Slovenia (166.74) and Bahrain (168.84), reflecting Belgium’s deep integration into European supply chains and its strategic position as a logistics hub. The sustained increase is underpinned by the country’s participation in the EU single market, high‑value manufacturing exports, and robust services trade. Should global supply‑chain disruptions ease and digital trade facilitation expand, Belgium’s openness is likely to maintain its upward bias, potentially pushing the ratio beyond the 2022 peak in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 166.27% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 167.03% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 167.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 167.79% | +8.85% | #19 |
| 2024 | 158.93% | −6.92% | #147 |
| 2023 | 165.85% | −25.33% | #161 |
| 2022 | 191.18% | +13.80% | #171 |
| 2021 | 177.38% | +20.43% | #169 |
| 2020 | 156.95% | −8.52% | #171 |
| 2019 | 165.47% | −2.81% | #172 |
| 2018 | 168.28% | +1.37% | #173 |
| 2017 | 166.90% | +7.85% | #174 |
| 2016 | 159.06% | +3.99% | #169 |
| 2015 | 155.07% | −3.50% | #169 |
| 2014 | 158.57% | +1.00% | #165 |
| 2013 | 157.57% | −2.81% | #164 |
| 2012 | 160.38% | −0.38% | #165 |
| 2011 | 160.77% | +10.60% | #165 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's trade openness was 167.79% in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 5.6% increase from the previous year.
Belgium's trade openness peaked at 191.18% in 2022.
The lowest trade openness in Belgium was 85.21% in 1972.
Belgium ranks 19th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's trade openness is projected to reach 167.79% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Belgium in 2025 was 167.79%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_trade-openness,
title = {Belgium Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}