hub.brussels Agenda Webinar ‘USA 2026 Economic Outlook’

Webinar ‘USA 2026 Economic Outlook’

26/02/26

Want to do business with the US? Join us for an interactive webinar on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 4PM to explore key economic policies and learn how to adapt to the ‘America First’ trade framework. Sessions will be in English and French, offering expert insights and practical strategies for global businesses.

About

The Trump administration’s economic strategy is heavily oriented toward protectionism and domestic industry revival. Tariffs on imports have risen sharply and exporters must expect higher entry costs and more complex customs clearance.

Nevertheless, the U.S. remains a large, high-spending market with a strong dollar that boosts export profitability. Deregulation continues in sectors like energy, logistics and manufacturing offering opportunities for Brussels, Belgian and European firms willing to adapt. European tech transfers and innovation partnerships are highly valued by US firms.

How can exporters build tariff flexibility into pricing and contracts? Should they consider re-evaluating supply chains and partial US assembly or local partnerships? What is the new strategy to adapt to the ‘America First’ Trade Framework?

During our webinar, expert speakers will dive into these hot topics and share their point of view with the audience.

Program

Speaker line-up

  • Kathlijn Fruithof, Representative of the Brussels-Capital Region in New York, hub.brussels, Trade and Invest Counselor
    Welcome word and introduction
  • Ambassadeur Frédéric Bernard, Embassy of Belgium to the US in Washington, DC, Ambassador of Belgium to the US
    Overview of Bilateral trade and invest relations between Belgium and the US
  • Brian Maguire, Journalist and broadcaster, US and EU political, economic, and business affairs, Washington DC and Brussels
    Keynote 1: Overview of the key economic policies and their impact
  • Matthew Bock, Bock Trade Law: lawyer and a licensed customer broker specialized in U.S. import, export, and economic sanctions laws and regulations
    Keynote 2: How to adapt your export strategy to the new America First Framework
  • Nathalie d’Harveng (à TBC), CEO of Nats Rawline: innovative plant-based, vegan snacks and raw pastries
    Testimonial: Brussels based company exporting food products to the US

Practical info

The webinar is free, but registration is mandatory.

You will receive the webinar link after registration.

Useful resources

You’ll find more information on the US in our country summary ‘Export to the United States‘.

Any questions? Just ask Eline and Kathlijn!

Eline Faoro

Area Manager Americas

M.:+32 479 45 79 13

efaoro@hub.brussels

Kathlijn Fruithof

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

885 Second Avenue, 41st Floor
New York, NY 10017
USA

+1 646 745 03 46

newyork@hub.brussels