Belgian masonry brick industry maintains constant figures for 2015
Following several years of very slow economic growth, prospects were again looking quite positive in early 2015. The Belgian economy had become more attractive, though its rhythm was still a bit too andante. As computed by the National Bank, Belgium‘s economy expanded by 1.4% in 2015, meaning just 0.1% more than in 2014. Most of the gain took place in the services sector, while in the construction sector the growth rate was still decelerating. The country‘s masonry brick industry, though, was at least holding its own in comparison with 2014.
The introduction of more stringent energy standards in Flanders continued to impair new-construction activities through 2014 and 2015. Since building owners were trying their best to beat the day of introduction, numerous applications for building permits were submitted prior to January 1, 2014. That produced a surge during the first half of the year, followed by a downturn, the effects of which were still being felt in 2015.
Wallonia, however, was spared the decline. Applications for building permits have remained relatively stable for several years on end now. While Brussels also introduced...
