Around this time of year, you will find a decorated Christmas tree in every home!
Did you know that Belgium was the second largest exporter of Christmas trees in the EU?
According to TradeXplorer, Denmark is the European Union’s leading exporter of Christmas trees with a value of more than €100 million in 2022, representing 67.7% of total European exports. Belgium is the second largest with an export value of €14 million, accounting for 9.7% of total EU exports. Germany comes in third place with an export value of €10 million (6.8% of the EU total). While the export value of Denmark (-3.6%) and Germany (-13%) decreased, Belgian exports increased by 1.3% in 2022 compared to 2021.
Almost 85% of Christmas trees grown in Belgium are destined for export. In terms of volume, Belgium has exported almost 18,000 tons of Christmas trees (+5% compared to 2021). Top markets are France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. Outside of Europe, Japan is the first client of Belgian Christmas trees. However, Belgium imports Christmas trees with an estimated value of €4 million, mainly from Denmark, France and the Netherlands.
According to Apaq-W, besides the Christmas tree on the Grand-Place of Brussels, 71% of Belgians put up a Christmas tree at home (either natural, artificial or homemade).
