Belgium: economy

What is the inflation rate in Belgium?

Belgium's national consumer price index was 4.69% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the observations reproduced by the Federal Planning Bureau from Statbel. The rate was 3.97% in August and 1.10% in January 2026.

The Federal Planning Bureau's forecast of 6 October 2026 puts average inflation at 3.7% in 2026 and 3.7% in 2027, against 2.47% in 2025. Statbel publishes the index at the end of each month. A separate health index, which excludes alcohol, tobacco and motor fuels, is used to index wages, benefits and rents; it rose 4.00% in the year to September. The next forecast update is due on 3 November 2026.

Official sources: Federal Planning Bureau: consumer price index and inflation forecasts

What is the GDP growth rate of Belgium?

The Belgian economy grew 0.9% in 2025, according to the National Bank of Belgium. For the third quarter of 2026, the NBB Business Cycle Monitor estimates growth of 0.3% on the previous quarter, with its nowcasting models ranging from 0.3% to 0.6%.

The National Bank compiles Belgium's national accounts. The quarterly nowcast is an early estimate made before the official flash figure. The bank notes that business investment and government investment fell in the second quarter of 2026. The IMF World Economic Outlook projects growth of 0.7% for 2026 and 1.1% for 2027.

Official sources: National Bank of Belgium: home page key figures · NBB: Belgian economic growth expected to rebound to 0.3% in Q3 2026 · IMF DataMapper: real GDP growth, Belgium

What is the interest rate in Belgium?

The euro area rate on the deposit facility was 2.50% in October 2026, with the main refinancing rate at 2.65% and the marginal lending rate at 2.90%, as listed by the National Bank of Belgium.

Belgium uses the euro, so these policy rates are set by the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, of which the NBB governor is a member. The deposit facility rate is the main signal for short-term market rates. Mortgage and savings rates offered by Belgian banks are set by each bank and differ from these policy rates. The NBB home page shows the rates in force under 'Interest rates'.

Official sources: National Bank of Belgium: interest rates (home page)

What is the GDP per capita of Belgium?

Belgium's GDP per person was about US$61,014 in 2025 at current prices, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. The IMF projects about US$64,774 for 2026.

The figure is gross domestic product divided by population and converted to US dollars at market exchange rates, so changes in the euro-dollar rate move it as well as real growth. The IMF figures for recent years are estimates and are revised with each edition of the World Economic Outlook, published in April and October. The National Bank of Belgium publishes the national accounts in euros.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Belgium

Is Belgium's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Belgium was 1.0% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -4.8% (2020) to 6.3% (2021). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 2.1%, and Belgium placed 39th highest of 49. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 156th highest.

What is GDP per capita in Belgium?

The World Bank puts GDP per person in Belgium at $60,750 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $28,420; Belgium is 10th highest of 49. Worldwide: 14th of 180.

What is Belgium's GDP per capita at PPP?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Belgium was $74,676 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $50,946 in international dollars, and Belgium placed 11th highest of 49. World rank, highest first: 16th of 179.

What share of Belgium's economy is exports?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Belgium was 75.5% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 94.4% of GDP in 2022 and the low 68.6% of GDP in 2009. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 47.7% of GDP, and Belgium placed 9th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 14th of 133.

What is Belgium's current account balance?

The IMF puts the current account balance in Belgium at -0.2% of GDP in 2025, a deficit. The peak was 2.0% of GDP in 2005 and the low -1.9% of GDP in 2011. It is 23rd highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is -0.3% of GDP. Worldwide: 57th of 132.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Belgium?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in Belgium at -4.0% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 36.8% of GDP in 2008 and the low -7.7% of GDP in 2018. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.9% of GDP, and Belgium placed 47th highest of 49. Worldwide: 177th of 179.