Country profile - (Belgium)

Industry in Belgium has changed profoundly since 1960 and its weight in the economy has declined. The metallurgy sector, constituted mainly of large companies situated in the heart of the former industrial areas of Wallonia, has undergone considerable restructuring as a result of the crisis that began in the sector in the 1970s.

The textile sector, which has also had to cope with major difficulties during the same period, has tended to merge its activities. In contrast, the agri-foods industry has evolved into Belgium's third largest industrial sector. Chemicals account for one-fifth of the turnover of Belgian industries; Belgium ranks tenth worldwide in this sector. The automotive industry in Belgium is limited to assembly, which takes place mostly in large plants owned by multinationals. Railway construction and the highly technological aviation sector also have a strong presence in Belgium.