In 2024, the wearing apparel sector in Belgium is forecasted to experience a significant decline in employment from the previous year's actual figures. Specifically, employment is set to decrease from 1.13 thousand FTE in 2024 to 0.429 thousand FTE by 2028. This represents a year-on-year reduction of approximately 15.9% from 2025 to 2026, 22.5% from 2026 to 2027, and 28.6% from 2027 to 2028. The five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) indicates an average annual decrease of around 21.1% over the period from 2024 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for in the Belgian wearing apparel sector include:
- Potential technological advancements and automation leading to further workforce reductions.
- Shifts in consumer preferences, possibly towards sustainable and locally produced goods, which may influence employment dynamics.
- The impact of international trade policies and economic conditions on the domestic apparel industry.
