Belgium's economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the first quarter of 2026, as estimated initially, the latest data from the National Bank of Belgium showed on Friday.
Gross domestic product grew seasonally and calendar-adjusted 0.2% sequentially in the first quarter, following a 0.1% increase in the fourth quarter. The economy has been expanding since the fourth quarter of 2023.
The value added in the construction sector advanced 0.5% compared to the previous quarter, and that in services grew 0.3%. Meanwhile, the industrial sector logged a contraction of 0.2%.
On the expenditure side, private consumption advanced 0.6%, while general government expenditure dropped 0.5%. Gross fixed capital formation was 0.3% higher, and both exports and imports grew by 2.8% and 2.6&, respectively, thereby resulting in a favourable net foreign demand.
The annual economic growth moderated to 0.8% in the first quarter from 0.9% in the final quarter of 2025, as estimated.
