Belgium exported nearly 22 billion euros worth of vaccines in 2023
Vaccine exports from Belgium were worth almost 22 billion euros last year, according to an analysis by the sector federation essenscia. This makes Belgium the world market leader.
In 2023, Belgian vaccine exports amounted to 21.9 billion euros, making Belgium the world market leader, ahead of the US, Ireland, Spain and Italy. Almost a third of its vaccines were exported to the USA. Other top destinations include Germany, Japan, the UK, Brazil, France and China.
In its report, essenscia points out that Belgium is renowned for its scientific knowledge and industrial expertise in vaccines, at every stage of the value chain: from innovative research and clinical trials to advanced manufacturing and global logistics.
Specifically, Belgium's leading research centres are part of its success, says the federation. "Combined with more than 30 specialised pharmaceutical and biotech companies and an advanced logistics network, this forms a powerful ecosystem." In recent years, more than 2 billion euros has been invested in the production of the latest generation of vaccines.
Ambition required
While exports of COVID-19 vaccines have fallen sharply, other vaccines have made up for this with an increase of almost 20 per cent in the first half of 2024. To maintain this growth and Belgium's position as market leader, essenscia is advocating an ambitious pharma and biotech strategy.
"To remain at the forefront of innovation, Belgium must be able to rely on a stimulating policy, in particular by maintaining the innovation deduction in its current form, the exemption from withholding tax for researchers and attractive tax measures to attract foreign investment," the press release states.
Belgium's role as a global logistics hub for healthcare products should also be supported, the federation says, for example by further facilitating pharmaceutical cargo logistics through airports, developing smart mobility solutions and ensuring a stable regulatory framework.
© BELGA PHOTO POOL STEPHANIE LECOCQ
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