Concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in Belgium grew steadily in physical terms from 1.74 million tons in 2018 to over 2 million tons by 2021, supported by consistent construction activity. After a slight correction in 2022, the market value continued to rise, reaching $114.2 million, indicating sustained investment in building materials.

A sharp spike in raw material costs during 2023, with cement prices surging by over 61%, pressured the market and contributed to a volume contraction to 1.77 million tons. Elevated prices for hydrocarbons, aggregates, and other inputs increased production expenses, which tempered physical demand. By 2024, price pressures eased, and the introduction of innovative materials like recycled hemp concrete began influencing product segments, coinciding with a stabilization of market volume around 1.77 million tons.

Production concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Belgium, the production value of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks reached 95 230 thousand US dollars in 2020, showing a year-over-year increase of 9.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 4.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Belgium's production of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output stood at 1 569 thousand tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. The highest production level was achieved in 2018, at 1 614 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Belgium fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 216.2 thousand tonnes, representing a modest decline of 6.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 40.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 365.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands remained the top buyers of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Belgium in volume terms. France accounted for 42.7% of exports, Luxembourg for 22.6%, and the Netherlands for 16.9%, together making up 82.3% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of exported concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Belgium totaled 31 173 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.6%, with an annualized rate of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 31 043 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 36 532 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands formed the key group of partners for Belgium's exports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in value terms. France represented 51.5% of exports, Luxembourg 19.7%, and the Netherlands 12.6%, collectively accounting for 83.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Belgium's imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 475.8 thousand tonnes, down by 3.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the primary source for Belgium's imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in volume terms, accounting for 80.0% of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks into Belgium fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 29 171 thousand US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 3.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 18.2%, with an annualized rate of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Germany dominated Belgium's imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in value terms, together accounting for 89.7% of total flows, while other destinations had smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020