Alaska’s exports to Belgium increased overall by three percent in 2004. Alaska’s ore exports to Belgium have been in the $50 million to $100 million range recently. For many years, smelters in Belgium served as an important entry point to the European Union markets for the ore from Alaska’s Red Dog Mine.

Seafood exports to Belgium increased in 2004 from one million to three million dollars. Seafood exports to European Union countries vary from year to year and country to country based on several factors, including shipping and cold storage rates in the EU’s coastal ports. The annual spring European Seafood Expo in Brussels attracts Alaska seafood industry representatives who take advantage of the presence of buyers from dozens of countries.