While Wallonia’s industrial giants quietly produce millions of tons and generate billions in exports, it's the region's 245,000 workers who truly power an industrial engine contributing over €20 billion in value added to the regional economy.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, Wallonia's manufacturing industry contributed 22.5% to the region's GDP, amounting to €18.7 billion.
- The chemical industry in Wallonia produced 4.2 million tons of petrochemicals in 2023.
- Wallonia's industrial turnover reached €85.4 billion in 2021 across all sectors.
- Wallonia's steel production reached 4.1 million tons in 2022.
- Chemical production capacity in Wallonia was 6.5 million tons annually in 2023.
- Glass manufacturing output in Wallonia totaled 2.8 million tons in 2022.
- Wallonia manufacturing employment totaled 182,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.
- Unemployment rate in Wallonia industry was 7.2% in 2022.
- Average industrial wage in Wallonia €48,500 annually in 2023.
- Chemicals sector dominates with 25% of industrial output in Wallonia 2023.
- Steel industry represents 18% of manufacturing employment in 2022.
- Glass sector exports 80% of production from Wallonia.
- Wallonia industry exports to EU 55% of total in 2023.
- Total industrial exports €45.6 billion in 2022.
- Chemicals exports €18 billion from Wallonia 2023.
Wallonia's industrial sector is a vital economic force contributing significantly to GDP, exports, and regional employment.
Economic Impact
- In 2022, Wallonia's manufacturing industry contributed 22.5% to the region's GDP, amounting to €18.7 billion.
- The chemical industry in Wallonia produced 4.2 million tons of petrochemicals in 2023.
- Wallonia's industrial turnover reached €85.4 billion in 2021 across all sectors.
- In 2023, the metal sector accounted for 15% of Wallonia's total industrial value added.
- Wallonia's industry export value hit €42 billion in 2022, representing 65% of regional exports.
- The GDP share of industry in Wallonia was 19.8% in 2022 compared to 15.2% national average.
- Industrial investment in Wallonia totaled €3.2 billion in 2023.
- Wallonia's manufacturing productivity grew by 2.1% year-over-year in 2022.
- The region's industrial energy consumption was 28 TWh in 2021.
- Wallonia industry employed 245,000 workers in 2023, 18% of total employment.
- Manufacturing output index in Wallonia stood at 112.5 (2015=100) in 2023.
- Industrial R&D expenditure in Wallonia reached €1.8 billion in 2022.
- Wallonia's share in Belgium's industrial GDP was 28% in 2022.
- The sector's value added per employee was €85,000 in 2021.
- Industrial orders index in Wallonia increased 4.3% in 2023.
- Wallonia industry CO2 emissions totaled 25 million tons in 2022.
- The manufacturing trade surplus for Wallonia was €12.5 billion in 2023.
- Industrial capacity utilization rate in Wallonia averaged 78% in 2022.
- Wallonia's industrial SME count was 12,500 in 2023.
- Sectoral growth rate in industry was 1.8% in 2022.
- Wallonia manufacturing sales volume grew 3.2% in 2023.
- Industrial tax contributions from Wallonia were €4.1 billion in 2022.
- The region's industrial GVA increased to €20.3 billion in 2023.
- Wallonia industry labor costs rose 2.5% in 2022.
- Manufacturing employment rate in Wallonia was 12.5% of working population in 2023.
- Industrial innovation index for Wallonia scored 7.2/10 in 2022.
- Wallonia's industrial patent applications totaled 1,250 in 2023.
- Sector contribution to regional budget was 16% in 2022.
- Industrial output per capita in Wallonia was €32,000 in 2023.
- Wallonia industry resilience index post-COVID was 85% recovery by 2022.
Economic Impact Interpretation
Wallonia's industrial engine isn't just humming politely in the corner; it's a powerhouse that contributed over a fifth of the region's GDP, punched above its weight nationally, generated a massive trade surplus, and supported nearly a fifth of local jobs, all while steadily investing billions in its future—truly a formidable and foundational force, albeit one with significant energy and environmental footprints to manage.
Employment
- Wallonia manufacturing employment totaled 182,000 full-time equivalents in 2023.
- Unemployment rate in Wallonia industry was 7.2% in 2022.
- Average industrial wage in Wallonia €48,500 annually in 2023.
- Female employment share in industry 28% in 2022.
- Youth employment (under 25) in industry 8.5% in 2023.
- Steel sector jobs 35,000 in Wallonia 2022.
- Chemical industry workforce 42,000 in 2023.
- R&D personnel in industry 18,000 in 2022.
- Apprentice positions in manufacturing 5,200 in 2023.
- Part-time workers in industry 12% of total in 2022.
- Highly skilled jobs share 32% in Wallonia industry 2023.
- Migrant workers 9% of industrial workforce in 2022.
- Overtime hours averaged 150 per worker annually in 2023.
- Union membership in industry 55% in Wallonia 2022.
- Job vacancy rate 2.8% in manufacturing 2023.
- Training hours per employee 45 annually in 2022.
- Older workers (50+) 25% of industry employment 2023.
- Shift work prevalence 40% in Wallonia factories 2022.
- Disability employment quota met at 3.2% in 2023.
- Temporary contracts 15% of hires in industry 2022.
- Engineering jobs 22,000 in manufacturing 2023.
- Logistics roles 28,000 in industry 2022.
- Maintenance technicians 15,500 positions in 2023.
- Operators 95,000 in Wallonia industry 2022.
- Managers 12,000 in industrial firms 2023.
- Administrative staff 18% of workforce in 2022.
- Labor turnover rate 4.5% in manufacturing 2023.
- Sick leave days averaged 12 per worker in 2022.
- Remote work share 5% in industry 2023.
- Gender pay gap in industry 11% in 2022.
Employment Interpretation
For an industrial base of 182,000, Wallonia's manufacturing sector presents a portrait of a steady, unionized, and experienced core workforce, but one grappling with an aging demographic, a significant gender imbalance, and a stubborn wage gap, suggesting its future competitiveness hinges on attracting more women, youth, and skilled talent.
Exports and Trade
- Wallonia industry exports to EU 55% of total in 2023.
- Total industrial exports €45.6 billion in 2022.
- Chemicals exports €18 billion from Wallonia 2023.
- Steel products shipped 3.5 Mt internationally.
- Pharma exports €12.5 billion in 2022.
- Machinery exports grew 6% to €10b in 2023.
- Glass exports 85% of production value.
- Automotive parts to Germany €2.8b.
- Aerospace exports €3.9 billion in 2022.
- Plastics exports €4.2 billion to world markets.
- Imports of raw materials €15b for industry 2023.
- Trade balance surplus €14.2 billion in 2022.
- USA market share 8% of exports 2023.
- China imports for industry €3.5b steel/chem.
- France top partner 22% of exports.
- Netherlands transit 30% of trade volume.
- UK post-Brexit exports down 2% to €4b.
- Africa emerging market 5% growth exports.
- Logistics costs 12% of export value 2022.
- Customs clearance time average 24 hours.
- Free trade agreements cover 70% markets.
- E-commerce industrial sales €1.2b exports.
- Tariffs impact minimal 1.5% on exports.
- Supply chain disruptions affected 15% exports 2022.
- Green exports certification 40% of total.
- Digital trade platforms used by 60% firms.
- Trade fairs participation 250 events/year.
- Foreign direct investment via exports €2.5b.
- SME export share 45% of volume 2023.
- Re-exports through Antwerp 25% Wallonia goods.
Exports and Trade Interpretation
Wallonia's industrial might is a masterclass in European economic pragmatism, deftly turning chemical alchemy and steel sinew into a robust trade surplus, all while navigating global headwinds with the stubborn grace of a Walloon draft horse.
Key Sectors
- Chemicals sector dominates with 25% of industrial output in Wallonia 2023.
- Steel industry represents 18% of manufacturing employment in 2022.
- Glass sector exports 80% of production from Wallonia.
- Biotech firms number 250 in Wallonia, leading Europe.
- Automotive suppliers contribute €6 billion annually.
- Aerospace industry employs 7,000 in region 2023.
- Cement sector capacity 4 million tons/year.
- Machinery sector turnover €9.2 billion in 2022.
- Food industry processes 1.5 million tons/year.
- Plastics production 900,000 tons in 2023.
- Non-metallic minerals output €4.5 billion.
- Pharma R&D investment €2 billion in Wallonia.
- Electronics sector growth 5.2% in 2022.
- Paper sector 15 plants operating in 2023.
- Furniture exports €500 million from Wallonia.
- Energy tech firms 150 in cluster 2022.
- Composites sector 100 companies, €1b turnover.
- Rubber products 200,000 tons production.
- Paints industry 300,000 tons/year capacity.
- Fertilizers 1.5 Mt from Wallonia plants.
- Wire drawing 200,000 tons processed.
- Valves sector €800m sales in 2023.
- Pumps 1,000 companies in ecosystem.
- Electrical equipment €3b turnover.
- Sensors and actuators 10m units/year.
- Additive manufacturing €250m revenue 2022.
- Precision mechanics 500 firms.
- Building materials 6m tons output.
- Textiles advanced materials €400m sales.
- Defense industry €1.2b contracts 2023.
Key Sectors Interpretation
Wallonia's industrial might can be summed up as a powerhouse where the pervasive chemicals sector mixes the foundational brew, while its high-flying biotech and aerospace ventures, along with a formidable array of metal-benders and material makers, prove this isn't your granddad's rust belt anymore.
Production Metrics
- Wallonia's steel production reached 4.1 million tons in 2022.
- Chemical production capacity in Wallonia was 6.5 million tons annually in 2023.
- Glass manufacturing output in Wallonia totaled 2.8 million tons in 2022.
- Pharmaceutical output value in Wallonia hit €15 billion in 2023.
- Cement production in Wallonia was 3.2 million tons in 2022.
- Automotive parts production volume was 450,000 units in 2023.
- Machinery output in Wallonia reached €8.5 billion in 2022.
- Food processing industry produced 1.2 million tons in 2023.
- Aerospace components output value was €4.2 billion in 2022.
- Rubber and plastics production was 750,000 tons in 2023.
- Non-ferrous metals output totaled 1.1 million tons in 2022.
- Textile manufacturing volume in Wallonia was 45,000 tons in 2023.
- Electronics assembly output value €2.3 billion in 2022.
- Paper and pulp production 850,000 tons in 2023.
- Furniture manufacturing sales €1.8 billion in 2022.
- Biotechnology products output €3.5 billion in 2023.
- Energy equipment production 120,000 units in 2022.
- Precision engineering parts 2.5 million units in 2023.
- Building materials output 5.1 million tons in 2022.
- Steel processing volume 3.8 million tons in 2023.
- Paint and coatings production 250,000 tons in 2022.
- Fertilizer output 1.4 million tons in 2023.
- Wire and cable manufacturing 180,000 km in 2022.
- Valve production 1.2 million units in 2023.
- Pump manufacturing output €1.1 billion in 2022.
- Transformer production 15,000 units in 2023.
- Sensor output 8 million units in 2022.
- Composite materials production 90,000 tons in 2023.
- Additive manufacturing parts 500,000 units in 2022.
Production Metrics Interpretation
While Wallonia's economic engine might not hum the tune of an artisanal craft beer, it roars with the deafening, industrial symphony of steel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals that keep the continent's lights on, planes flying, and infrastructure standing.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATBELstatbel.fgov.beVisit source
- Reference 2ESSENSCIAessenscia.beVisit source
- Reference 3ECec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 4FEDIPLUSfediplus.beVisit source
- Reference 5AWEXawex.beVisit source
- Reference 6ECONOMIEeconomie.fgov.beVisit source
- Reference 7NBBnbb.beVisit source
- Reference 8IEAiea.orgVisit source
- Reference 9BELSPObelspo.beVisit source
- Reference 10EEAeea.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 11FINfin.belgium.beVisit source
- Reference 12REGIONALSTUDIESregionalstudies.orgVisit source
- Reference 13EPOepo.orgVisit source
- Reference 14WALLONIEwallonie.beVisit source
- Reference 15OECDoecd.orgVisit source
- Reference 16WORLDSTEELworldsteel.orgVisit source
- Reference 17GLASSALLIANCEEUROPEglassallianceeurope.euVisit source
- Reference 18PHARMABOARDROOMpharmaboardroom.comVisit source
- Reference 19CEMBUREAUcembureau.euVisit source
- Reference 20ACEAacea.autoVisit source
- Reference 21FEVIAfevia.beVisit source
- Reference 22BAEAbaea.beVisit source
- Reference 23PLASTICULTUREplasticulture.beVisit source
- Reference 24EUROMETAUXeurometaux.euVisit source
- Reference 25EUROTEXTILEeurotextile.orgVisit source
- Reference 26AGORIAagoria.beVisit source
- Reference 27CEPIcepi.orgVisit source
- Reference 28UEAFEDueafed.orgVisit source
- Reference 29BIObio.beVisit source
- Reference 30FEDINCOfedinco.beVisit source
- Reference 31TECHNIFUTURtechnifutur.beVisit source
- Reference 32FEBBELfebbel.beVisit source
- Reference 33PRODUCERMETALproducermetal.beVisit source
- Reference 34COATINGScoatings.org.beVisit source
- Reference 35FERTILIZERSEUROPEfertilizerseurope.comVisit source
- Reference 36EUROPACABLEeuropacable.euVisit source
- Reference 37EUVALVEeuvalve.euVisit source
- Reference 38EUROPEPUMPSeuropepumps.orgVisit source
- Reference 39ZVEIzvei.orgVisit source
- Reference 40SENSODEVsensodev.beVisit source
- Reference 41JECCOMPOSITESjeccomposites.comVisit source
- Reference 42EUROMANYeuromany.euVisit source
- Reference 43EFQMefqm.beVisit source
- Reference 44LEFOREMleforem.beVisit source
- Reference 45CSC-EN-LIGNEcsc-en-ligne.beVisit source
- Reference 46WALLONIE-FORMATIONwallonie-formation.beVisit source
- Reference 47SFWBsfwb.beVisit source
- Reference 48AWIPHawiph.beVisit source
- Reference 49FEBEDERfebeder.beVisit source
- Reference 50CONSTRUCTIONINDUSTRYconstructionindustry.beVisit source
- Reference 51TELEWORKtelework.beVisit source
- Reference 52FEVIAGROUPfeviagroup.beVisit source
- Reference 53ESSA-PLASTICSessa-plastics.euVisit source
- Reference 54FEBEfebe.beVisit source
- Reference 55PHARMApharma.beVisit source
- Reference 56TECHtech.beVisit source
- Reference 57UEAuea.beVisit source
- Reference 58ENERGIE-WALLONIEenergie-wallonie.beVisit source
- Reference 59COMPOSITEScomposites.beVisit source
- Reference 60EUROMAPeuromap.orgVisit source
- Reference 61COATIcoati.beVisit source
- Reference 62EWFewf.beVisit source
- Reference 63AVNI-VALVESavni-valves.beVisit source
- Reference 64PUMPS-EUROPEpumps-europe.orgVisit source
- Reference 65SENSORSsensors.beVisit source
- Reference 66MATERIALISEmaterialise.comVisit source
- Reference 67MECATECHmecatech.beVisit source
- Reference 68FEDECHIMfedechim.beVisit source
- Reference 69FEDUSTRIAfedustria.beVisit source
- Reference 70CMcm.beVisit source
- Reference 71GLASSGLOBALglassglobal.comVisit source
- Reference 72VDAvda.deVisit source
- Reference 73PLASTICS-EUROPEplastics-europe.orgVisit source
- Reference 74PORTOFANTWERPBRUGESportofantwerpbruges.comVisit source
- Reference 75GOVgov.ukVisit source
- Reference 76DOUANEdouane.belgium.beVisit source
- Reference 77POLICYpolicy.trade.ec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 78COMMERCEcommerce.beVisit source
- Reference 79WTOwto.orgVisit source
- Reference 80BEE-BUSINESSbee-business.beVisit source
- Reference 81EASYFAIRSeasyfairs.beVisit source
- Reference 82INVESTINWALLONIAinvestinwallonia.comVisit source