Belgium Business Pessimism Worsens

2026-08-25 13:11 By Larissa Caser 1 min. read

Belgium’s business confidence indicator declined by 1.3 points to -13.2 in August 2026, from -11.9 in July, contrasting with market expectations for an improvement to -10.2.

Sentiment deteriorated in the manufacturing industry, falling to -17.8 from -15.5, led by weaker confidence in textiles (-13.3 vs -13), wood processing (-33.6 vs -18.3), paper (-15.9 vs 10.4) and ferrous and non-ferrous basic metals (-34.9 vs -25.3).

Confidence in structural building also declined, to -7.7 from -5.

Meanwhile, sentiment improved in construction installation (-1.9 vs -3), building completion (-10.4 vs -13.4) and roofing activities (9.9 vs 4.8).

Business-related services also improved (-1.4 vs -3.8), as did sentiment in the trade sector (-5.2 vs -10.8), driven by stronger confidence in motor vehicle sales (12.6 vs -10.8).



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Belgium Business Pessimism Worsens
Belgium’s business confidence indicator declined by 1.3 points to -13.2 in August 2026, from -11.9 in July, contrasting with market expectations for an improvement to -10.2. Sentiment deteriorated in the manufacturing industry, falling to -17.8 from -15.5, led by weaker confidence in textiles (-13.3 vs -13), wood processing (-33.6 vs -18.3), paper (-15.9 vs 10.4) and ferrous and non-ferrous basic metals (-34.9 vs -25.3). Confidence in structural building also declined, to -7.7 from -5. Meanwhile, sentiment improved in construction installation (-1.9 vs -3), building completion (-10.4 vs -13.4) and roofing activities (9.9 vs 4.8). Business-related services also improved (-1.4 vs -3.8), as did sentiment in the trade sector (-5.2 vs -10.8), driven by stronger confidence in motor vehicle sales (12.6 vs -10.8).
2026-08-25
Belgium Business Pessimism Eases for Third Month
Belgium's business confidence indicator rose by 0.5 points to -11.9 in July 2026, up from -12.4 in the prior month. This marked the highest reading since the start of the year and the third consecutive monthly improvement, although below market expectations of -10.2. Sentiment strenghened most in the construction industry, where confidence rebounded to -3.0 from -12.0. Sentiment also edged higher in manufacturing (-15.5 vs. -15.7) and strengthened notably in business-related services (-3.8 vs. -7.4). In contrast, confidence in the trade sector deteriorated further to -10.8 from -9.3, reflecting weaker activity in textiles and electrical and electronic appliances. Meanwhile, confidence remained weak in building completion and finishing (-13.4 vs. -4.3) and structural building work (-5.0 vs. -4.2).
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Belgium Business Sentiment Hits 5-Month High
Belgium's business confidence indicator rose by another 0.9 points to -12.4 in June 2026, up from -13.4 in the prior month and compared with analysts' forecasts of -12. It was the best reading since January, with confidence increasing particularly in the construction (-4.2 vs -11.1 in May) and trade (-9.3 vs -14.8) sectors. Business-related services saw a slight improvement in sentiment (-7.4 vs -8.8), in contrast to manufacturing, where confidence continued to weaken (-15.7 vs -14.8).
2026-06-24