The number of persons employed in the glass and glass products sector in Belgium has been progressively declining over the past decade, moving from 7.4 thousand employees in 2013 to 6.57 thousand in 2023. Key variations show significant fluctuations, including a sharp decline in 2020 (-7.66%) and a modest recovery in earlier years, such as 2016 (+6.48%). However, the trend over the last five years has been a steady decline, with a -3.13% CAGR indicating an average annual decrease. For 2024-2028, forecasts indicate this downward trend will persist, with a cumulative drop of approximately -12.38%, reflecting a -2.61% annual decline.
Future trends to watch for:
• Innovative glass technologies: Adoption of energy-efficient and smart glass technology might slow the employment decline.
• Industry automation: Increased automation could exacerbate job losses even as productivity improves.
• Trade policies and economic factors: Changes in trade policies or economic conditions could influence demand and employment levels.
