Employment in the Carpets and Rugs sector in Belgium has seen a consistent decline from 2013 to 2023, dropping from 5.57 thousand FTEs to 3.7 thousand FTEs. While there were occasional positive spikes, such as the 20.98% increase in 2019, these did not reverse the overall downward trend. The period from 2020 to 2021 saw sharp declines of 32.94% and 3.86%, respectively. However, between 2022 and 2023, the sector showed resilience, recording a slight growth of 5.1% and 0.24% year-on-year. The 5-year CAGR leading up to 2023 was -3.85%.
Looking forward, the employment forecast from 2024 to 2028 continues to show a declining trend, with the sector expected to shrink to 2.48 thousand FTEs by 2028, representing a 5-year forecasted CAGR of -6.37%. This suggests continued challenges for the sector, potentially driven by automation, market consolidation, and shifting consumer demands.
Future trends to watch for include advancements in automation and digital transformations which might further reduce labor needs. Additionally, sustainability initiatives and changing consumer preferences towards eco-friendly products could reshape employment dynamics in this sector. Keeping an eye on these factors will be crucial for stakeholders looking to adapt and thrive.
