The LPI score indicates the ease and efficiency of logistics chains all over the world. Since its inception in 2007, the ranking has put trade logistics firmly on the political agenda and has been embraced by policymakers and the academic community. According to the World Bank, a well-functioning logistics system is essential to the economical welfare and growth of a country.

Today, the ranking is considered the main global benchmark for the industry, allowing countries to identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance in trade logistics and what they can do to improve this.

Belgium outshines the competition mainly on the third and sixth indicator. The country’s excellent international freight transport and punctual delivery are key to its predictable and reliable supply chains, which in turn enhance overall logistics performance.

Indeed, uncertain lead times disrupt production and exporting, forcing firms to adopt costly strategies, like express shipping or building in redundancies. All this erodes their competitiveness within value chains that use just-in-time production. To survive and grow in the global market, countries must therefore provide the conditions for solid, steady international trade – as Belgium does so successfully.