The imposition of tariffs by the US administration has had far-reaching consequences for the tech sector in Belgium.
According to a recent report by Agoria, a Belgian technology industry association, the tariffs have cost Belgian technology companies 1 500 jobs and € 70 million in lost investment over the past year. The digital and tech sectors, which are vital to Belgium’s economy, have been particularly hard-hit, as they rely heavily on cross-border trade and innovation.
The technology sector exports a half of its turnover – € 84 billion – is hit twice by these trade tariffs. Once by the general duties, and again by the additional tariffs on copper, steel and aluminum. These run up to 50 %.
The general uncertainty sparked by the trade war results in a lack of investment in other European and Belgian sectors to which technology companies would usually supply. 67 % of the nearly 200 companies surveyed have scaled back their recruitment plans, and 41 % are postponing future-oriented investments.
For Belgian firms, this means delayed expansion plans, reduced competitiveness, but also a need to rethink supply chains. The agreements with Canada, Mercosur and recently India will allow for diversification in new markets.
We must finalise those agreements, as well as those with Australia, Mexico and others, as soon as possible. However, a well-functioning European Single Market is the most powerful protection we can offer our companies. Today, fragmented regulation within the EU is an even greater bottleneck for trade than the Trump tariffs themselves.
Bart Steukers, CEO of Agoria
In this context, the partnership between Belgium and North Macedonia takes on even greater significance. North Macedonia, with its growing tech and manufacturing sectors, offers a strategic opportunity for Belgian companies to diversify their supply chains and mitigate the risks posed by global trade disruptions.
Agoria, previously known as Fabrimetal, is a Belgian employers’ organization. Agoria connects over 1900 technologically inspired companies active in Belgium. The survey was conducted by Agoria among 194 Belgian technology companies from 9 to 17 March 2026.
See the full report here.
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