The Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist) has said that he is cautiously positive about the trade agreement concluded on Sunday evening between the European Union and the United States. Mr De Wever also congratulated the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her role in the negotiations. Meanwhile, the Belgian Enterprise Federation (VBO) and the technology industry federation Agoria have welcomed the agreement.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, Mr De Wever wrote that he is relieved that an agreement has been reached, but there is no reason to rejoice. “As we await full details of the new EU–US trade agreement, one thing is clear: this is a moment of relief but not of celebration. Tariffs will increase in several areas and some key questions remain unresolved”

“Still, I commend the President and her team for their hard work and dedication over recent months, focused on preserving transatlantic ties and ensuring trade remains as stable as possible under challenging circumstances. I sincerely hope the United States will, in due course, turn away again from the delusion of protectionism and once again embrace the value of free trade – a cornerstone of shared prosperity.”

“In the meantime, Europe must continue to deepen its internal market, cut unnecessary regulation, and forge new partnerships to diversify our global trade network. May Europe become the beacon of open, fair, and reliable trade the world so urgently needs”, Mr De Wever wrote.

Industry federations “Relieved”

The Belgian Enterprise Federation (VBO) and the technology industry federation Agoria welcome the agreement on import tariffs that was concluded on Sunday between the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the US President Donald Trump. They are relieved that a trade war has been averted.

VBO says that the agreement is an important step forward and offers the prospect of more stable transatlantic relations. Without the agreement, a 30% increase in US import duties would have been imposed on many products from the EU from 1 August. The United States is Belgium's fourth largest trading partner and our largest trading partner outside the European Union.

VBO believes that the agreement is above all “a source of stability after months of uncertainty that has been detrimental to economic activity. A predictable and open business environment remains essential for competitiveness and confidence among businesses”.

Agoria shares VBO’s relief. However, the technology industry federation remains cautious. “Given the geopolitical context, we can live with this agreement that at least offers a minimum amount of stability. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but the worst has been averted”, Agoria’s CEO Bart Steukers said.