The closure of the Audi factory: a major blow for the BCR
Whilst Belgian exports of goods remained broadly stable in the first half of 2025 (-1.3% compared with the first half of 2024), Brussels recorded a sharp decline over this period: -21.1%. This was caused by the closure of the Audi Brussels site, which led to a slump in exports of transport equipment – one of the main drivers of regional exports in recent years.
Indeed, the closure of the Audi Brussels assembly plant had an immediate and profound impact on exports of transport equipment, which fell by 66% compared with the first half of 2024. To illustrate this decline, here are a few striking figures:
- In the first half of 2021, this sector still accounted for 53% of Brussels’ exports of goods. Four years later, this figure is just 11%;
- In two years, exports of electric cars fell from €847 million to €9 million, between the second quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2025.
Any good news at all, then?
In the absence of the automotive industry, it is now chemicals and related products (particularly medicines) that dominate regional exports, accounting for 45% of the total – a welcome source of stability in a changing landscape.
Other sectors are holding their ground or making progress:
- +34% for precious metals, particularly gold;
- +14% for prepared foodstuffs and beverages, boosted by chocolate exports (+74%!).
Conversely, machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment, as well as textiles, have fallen by around 30%.
Europe remains a key partner
Unsurprisingly, Europe is still the preferred destination for goods from Brussels. In the first half of 2025, it accounted for 90% of regional exports, an increase of 4 percentage points compared with 2024. The main customers for Brussels’ goods exports were Germany, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Their geographical proximity, stability and the existence of a single European internal market make these countries ideal export destinations.
Outside the EU, America is still a player, but its share is dwindling. The fall in exports of motor vehicles to the United States (-98%) accounts for much of this decline. However, the American market remains significant, particularly for chemical products and pharmaceuticals.
Belgian services on the rise
Aside from goods, Belgium’s service exports – a quarter of which come from Brussels – showed a strong recovery during the first half of 2025 (+6.2%) following a slump during the same period in 2024. Telecoms, IT, transport and business services have risen from 4% to 10%. The recipients of such services comprise mainly our four neighbouring countries, as well as key markets such as the United States, Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
