Doing Business with Belgium

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1 Doing Business with Belgium September 27, 2012 Ellen S. House Sr. International Trade Specialist U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, DC

2 Today s Presentation Context: The European Union U.S.-Belgian Commercial Relations Opportunities and Advice for the Belgian Market U.S. Government Assistance and Other Resources 2

3 European Union membership 3

U.S.-EU Commercial Relationship The EU is the United States main trading partner. Massive two-way goods trade (approx. $636 billion in 2011, about 17% of total trade).

4 U.S.-EU Commercial Relationship The EU is the United States main trading partner. Massive two-way goods trade (approx. $636 billion in 2011, about 17% of total trade). E Some 41% of total U.S service exports and 43% of total U.S service imports. $3 trillion two-way investment relationship. Linkages are deep: jobs (~3.5 mln in USA), profits, R&D, affiliate sales and output. 4

5 Overview of the European Union (EU) With the addition of Estonia in January 2011, the euro zone grew to 17 countries. There are lower transaction costs and more transparent pricing within the zone. Border-free Schengen area covers 25 countries, including some non-eu countries, makes it easier to move people, goods across air, sea and land. Market entry strategies should be considered on a case by case basis, as supply and demand differ across the EU 27 Countries vary from $7,242 GDP per capita (Bulgaria) to $122,272 (Luxembourg). [Belgium is approx. $43K] 5

6 Market Challenges in the E.U. Historically, U.S. exporters have low barriers to entry. Ongoing trade irritants focus on GMOs; biotechnology and nanotechnology; different approaches to transparency and regulatory procedures; and different approaches to the role of standards and their development. Fragmented, Euro-centric, heavily regulated EU Legislation: Directives are guidance and implementation differs among member states; Regulations specific implementation proscribed and is supposed to be uniform. EU does not operate as a single customs union. A new EU Community Code is scheduled to come in place in

7 Why Do Business There? Gateway to Europe Superb infrastructure Value-added logistics Multiple languages /cultures Ideal test market Wealthy consumers 7

8 U.S-Belgian Trade Relations Two-way merchandise trade in 2011 was $47.3 billion. (U.S. exports were $29.9 bln and imports were$17.4 bln) U.S. goods exports to Belgium during January-June 2012 were $15.2 billion, more than twice exports to Turkey and three times exports to Russia. Top U.S. goods exports are: organic chemicals, machinery, optical/medical, precious stones, pharmaceuticals. Top imports are: precious stones/metals, mineral fuel/oil, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals. Two-way services trade was approx. $30 billion a year during

9 Bilateral Investment Booming U.S. direct investment in Belgium totaled $73.5bln at the end of Big investors include Pfizer, Ford, Caterpillar, Johnson & Johnson, P&G, Google. Belgian affiliates of U.S. firms employ ~140,000 people. Belgian (stock) of FDI in USA totaled $52.2 bln at end of th largest source of FDI in the USA. Big investors are: InBev, Van Hool, Solvay, Delhaize, AGFA, Bekaert. U.S. affiliates of Belgian firms employ ~165,000 workers. Recent example: Ecover, Belgian maker of enviro. friendly consumer products, to acquire Method (Calif.), maker of green household cleaners and detergents.

7%) - Plastics (5.4%) - Machinery (5.0%) - Transportation Equipment (4.

10 Main U.S. Exports to Belgium and Business Opportunities The U.S. exports a wide range of products to Belgium. Some of the major categories are: - Chemicals (19%) - Medical Equipment (8.7%) - Plastics (5.4%) - Machinery (5.0%) - Transportation Equipment (4.8%) - Sunrise Sectors: Greentech, Biotech and ICT 10

11 Biotech and ICT Belgium has less than 3% of European pop., but has 7% of all biotech firms. Majority of biotech firms focus on developing new pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Need for venture capital and strategic partners. Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC) Google European Data Center Microsoft Green IT Innovation Center 11

12 Opportunity for U.S. Companies Belgian Economic Mission to the U.S. West Coast 8-14 June 2013 Networking Events Sourcing of U.S. products and services Partnerships 2011 Belgian Economic Mission to the USA New York, Boston, & Washington, DC (BIO Annual Meeting) 300 company reps, regional officials, business association heads multisectoral, with emphasis on biotech. 12

Tips for Doing Business in Belgium Learn local business and cultural practices. Research import/export rules and shipping costs. Be open-minded and take a long-term view.

13 Tips for Doing Business in Belgium Learn local business and cultural practices. Research import/export rules and shipping costs. Be open-minded and take a long-term view. Maintain constant communications with European contacts. Take advantage of trade shows, associations, chambers govt resources to do market research & identify partners, distributors or customers. Choose partners carefully (due diligence) Contact a U.S. law firm with office in Belgium/Europe or Belgian lawyer with experience w/u.s. companies. Protect IPR ( 13

14 International Trade Administration Market Access and Compliance (ensuring fair trade and market access for U.S. companies) U.S. Commercial Service (trade promotion) Manufacturing and Services (industry experts) Import Administration (enforcing trade laws, i.e., anti-dumping & countervailing duties) 14

15 Market Access and Compliance (MAC) MAC ensures access to world markets for American firms. Identifies and overcomes trade barriers, resolves trade policy issues, and ensures compliance of trade agreements partners. MAC country desk officers: experts on the commercial, economic, and political climates in their assigned countries. Focus on promoting bilateral relations, resolving trade complaints and market access issues, e.g., intellectual property rights, customs, regulatory barriers. Mainly DC-based, with some international presence, including at the U.S. Mission to the EU in Brussels, India, China, etc. 15

16 Commercial Service (CS) Promotes the export of goods and services from the United States, particularly from SMEs Represents U.S. business interests internationally. Helps U.S. businesses find qualified international partners. Presence in more than 100 U.S. cities (U.S. Export Assistance Centers - USEACs) and more than 70 countries. Services in Belgium are managed by a Senior Commercial Officer and 5 staff based at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels. 16

17 Helping U.S. Firms Succeed in Belgium Business Development Advisory Project and Policy Advocacy with the Belgian Government Due Diligence on Local Partners Strategic Partnering Market Research Company Promotions NATO procurement info 17

18 Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the EU CS EU Office Assists U.S. Companies to: Access key sectors with the help of our Specialists Comply with EU Standards and CE Marking Defend your commercial interests through Trade Agreements Compliance Participate in EU Grants, Tenders, & Financing Website:

19 USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service FAS office in The Hague, The Netherlands covers Belgium FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture through trade leads, promotional activities at trade shows, foreign buyers lists, and more. Market and other reports include: Exporter Guide to the Benelux, Retail Food Sector in the Benelux, Guides to EU food safety standards and import regulations 19

20 Other Resources -- Chambers American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium Brussels-based AmCham Belgium has 500 members of diverse size and industry focus. Opened a chapter in Antwerp in June Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce (Belcham) New York-based Belcham has chapters in Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Silicon Valley. American Chamber of Commerce EU: 20

21 Contact Us Commerce/ITA Ellen House, Senior Intl Trade Specialist Tel: U.S. Commercial Service Belgium Laurie Farris, Senior Commercial Officer Tel:

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