Belgium Business Sentiment Improves Slightly

2026-05-22 13:18 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

Belgium's business confidence indicator rose by 0.9 points to -13.3 in May 2026, up from a one-year low of -14.2 in the prior month and better than the expected -13.5.

The business climate improved primarily in the building industry (-11.1 vs -15.7 in April), supported by continued growth in orders and expectations of stronger demand in the near term.

The business-related services sector also saw sentiment strengthen (-8.8 vs -11.6) after declining steadily since December last year, driven by significantly better expectations for future activity and overall demand, even as current activity was viewed less favorably.

Trade confidence was unchanged (14.8 vs 14.8), as weaker demand expectations were balanced by improved employment and supplier order forecasts.

Meanwhile, manufacturing sentiment fell slightly (-14.8 vs -14.4), with firms more pessimistic on demand and stocks, though order books and hiring plans strengthened.



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