Economic Activities in Belgium: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Belgium, with a population of approximately 11,825,551 (as of January 2025, per Statbel), is located in Western Europe, covering a total area of 30,530 square kilometers.

Belgium’s GDP in 2024 was approximately $664.56 billion (current USD), according to World Bank data, placing it among the top 25 global economies. Belgium’s GDP per capita was approximately $56,615 in 2024 (World Bank), reflecting one of the higher living standards in the EU.

Belgium’s economy remains strong and competitive on the global stage, supported by its strategic location at the heart of Europe, its role as a major trade and logistics hub (anchored by the Port of Antwerp), and a highly diversified industrial and services base.

What are the economic activities of Belgium?

• Primary activities: approximately 0.8% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: approximately 17.6% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Tertiary activities: approximately 71% of GDP (2024, World Bank).

Primary Sector of Belgium

Belgium’s primary sector, with 45.1% agricultural land, thrives due to its temperate climate and fertile soil. Key products like sugar beets, milk, and potatoes drive this sector. Agriculture contributed approximately 0.8% to GDP in 2024 (World Bank), remaining vital despite its small share.

The diversity of crops such as wheat, lettuce, and maize, along with animal products like pork and chicken, underlines the sector’s significance.

Belgium’s geological diversity influences its natural resources. Rich in construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, and arable land, these resources drive the economy through construction, glass production, agriculture, and more.

Secondary Sector of Belgium

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Belgium, main industrial products include engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, base metals, textiles, glass, and petroleum.Manufactures play a crucial role in Belgium’s total exports, accounting for 69.01% in 2023. This highlights the significance of the manufacturing sector in driving the country’s economic growth and global trade competitiveness.

Tertiary sector of Belgium

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Belgium encompasses a wide range of service-based activities that focus on providing intangible goods to enhance productivity and meet various needs. Some of the main tertiary activities in Belgium include restaurants, healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, media production and distribution, and tourism and hospitality. These sectors play a crucial role in driving the country’s economy and improving the overall quality of life for its residents.Among these, Belgium’s tourism industry recorded approximately 9.64 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, up from about 9.28 million in 2023. The sector generated an estimated $26.4 billion in 2024, reflecting growing recovery and Belgium’s appeal as a cultural and heritage destination.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, boasting around 11.9 million subscriptions, which fosters technological growth by enhancing connectivity and enabling digital innovation across industries.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Belgium

The military is a clear example of various economic activities working together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use, such as metals for weapons. The secondary sector involves the manufacturing of military equipment, like vehicles and weapons. The tertiary sector includes services provided by the military, such as logistics and training. Research and development in the quaternary sector helps improve technology, while the quinary sector focuses on high-level decision-making and strategy.

In Belgium, military expenditure for 2024 was approximately $8.56 billion (USD), equivalent to about 1.28% of GDP (SIPRI). The active military force consists of approximately 26,300 personnel.

Biggest company in Belgium

Which is the biggest company in Belgium? The largest is Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. AB InBev reported revenue of approximately $59.8 billion USD for fiscal year 2024 (AB InBev FY2024 results). It operates in the Food and Beverage industry (secondary sector) and was formed in 2008 following the merger of InBev and Anheuser-Busch. As of mid-2026, AB InBev’s market capitalization is approximately $154 billion USD.

International Trade of Belgium

Import Activities of Belgium

Belgium’s imports were equivalent to approximately 79.23% of GDP in 2024 (World Bank), down from 84.78% in 2023. Belgium’s elevated trade ratios relative to GDP reflect its role as a major European entrepot, with the Port of Antwerp serving as a key re-export hub for the continent.Belgium’s key import activities include natural gas, refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, and vaccines. Its top import partners are the Netherlands (19%), Germany (12%), France (9%), the US (6%), and China (6%).

Exports Activities of Belgium

Belgium’s exports were equivalent to approximately 79.22% of GDP in 2024 (World Bank), down from 84.18% in 2023. Total goods exports reached approximately $393 billion in 2023 (UN Comtrade/WITS). Belgium’s trade volumes relative to GDP remain among the highest in the EU, reflecting its entrepot role via the Port of Antwerp.Belgium’s export activities are diverse, with key partners like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Its main exports include natural gas, vaccines, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, and cars.

Belgium economy challenges in 2024

Belgium faces challenges with high public debt, slow growth, and an aging workforce. Structural deficits from social spending hinder progress, despite steady growth from household consumption and energy recovery. Weak productivity and participation rates add to the struggle. Belgium has also committed to raising defense spending toward NATO’s 2% of GDP target.

Sources

• World Bank Data: Belgium
• IMF: Belgium Country Profile
• Statbel: Belgium Population Statistics
• AB InBev: Annual Reports
• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
• World Bank WITS: Belgium Trade Summary
• CIA World Factbook: Belgium
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow

Last updated: June 20, 2026