Belgium - Distribution and Sales ChannelsDistribution in Belgium
Belgium has very well developed infrastructure and is regarded as an excellent transit and distribution center. It has the second most extensive canal network in Europe and benefits from modern road and rail networks. Antwerp is Europe’s largest container port for U.S.-EU trade; Liege, located 90 kilometers east of Brussels, is the third largest European river port, and Liege Airport is also an important center for freight with 870,644 metric tons sent in 2018. Brussels Airport is located only 15 minutes from the center of Brussels is also among the busiest by cargo traffic in Europe, sending a little over 535,634 tons of freight in 2017.
The dense population and pattern of urban development means that for 91% of Belgian consumers, retail shops and department stores are accessible within a 10-mile radius of their homes. Compared to the U.S., or other European markets, the Belgian consumer has a relatively low ratio of square meters of retail space per capita. As a result, several major commercial centers or malls are being developed. These will offer U.S. retail brands and franchises with new, modern locations for their outlets.
The cultural, linguistic and economic differences of Belgium’s three regions have a strong influence on how business is conducted. A good importer/distributor must be able to operate in all three areas. Belgian distributors tend to be small and specialized. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
The dense population and pattern of urban development means that for 91% of Belgian consumers, retail shops and department stores are accessible within a 10-mile radius of their homes. Compared to the U.S., or other European markets, the Belgian consumer has a relatively low ratio of square meters of retail space per capita. As a result, several major commercial centers or malls are being developed. These will offer U.S. retail brands and franchises with new, modern locations for their outlets.
The cultural, linguistic and economic differences of Belgium’s three regions have a strong influence on how business is conducted. A good importer/distributor must be able to operate in all three areas. Belgian distributors tend to be small and specialized. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.