The employment in the Manufacture of Structural Metal Products Sector in Belgium saw fluctuations between 2013 and 2023, with a notable decline in the mid-2010s followed by a gradual recovery. In 2023, the employment stood at 16.9 thousand full-time equivalents (FTEs). The year-on-year variations reflected a mix of both positive and negative trends, highlighting an overall instability: a significant drop of -14.68% in 2017, a rise of 11.13% in 2019, and steady increases in the recent years, culminating in a 3.3% rise in 2023.
Over the last five years, from 2019 to 2023, the sector experienced an average annual growth (CAGR) of 0.56%. Forecasts indicate continuing moderate growth with a forecasted five-year CAGR of approximately 2.81%, suggesting a more stable upward trend through 2028.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Technological advancements and automation in manufacturing processes.
- Potential shifts in demand driven by sustainability and eco-friendly building practices.
- The impact of geopolitical and economic factors on the construction and manufacturing industries.
