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Slight dip in business confidence in May, firms report tightening of borrowing conditions
According to the April 2022 quarterly survey on the appraisal of borrowing conditions, companies find that the general conditions for access to bank loans have got tougher. The percentage of companies saying they found borrowing conditions tight has risen sharply from 9.9 % in January to 16.5 % in April.

Ukrainian hryvnia can be exchanged in Belgium from 1 June
Under an agreement between the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), Ukrainian refugees can from now on exchange hryvnia banknotes for euros in Belgium. This service, made possible by the federal government, is offered at the NBB’s counters. The following banks have also agreed to cooperate: Belfius, Beobank, BNP Paribas Fortis, CBC, ING, KBC and KBC Brussels.

Very slight increase in consumer confidence in May
After a sharp fall in March, consumer confidence is continuing its cautious recovery this month. However, families still have low expectations regarding their financial situation and expect to save less in the coming months.

NBB launches dashboard on Belgian construction and real estate market
In view of the Batibouw construction fair, the National Bank has collected all available information on the recent situation on the Belgian construction and real estate market in a new and dynamic dashboard, where you will find indicators and graphs about subjects such as mortgage loans, housing investments, employment and construction industry sentiment.

NBB lays foundation stone of new cash centre
On Thursday 19 May, the symbolic foundation stone of the new NBB cash centre in Zellik (Asse) was laid. By the end of 2024, this modern, eco-friendly infrastructure will house the National Bank's logistical cash activities. In his speech to local residents and other stakeholders, Director Hermans spoke of “an important day in the history of the National Bank”.

National Bank continues to call for strict implementation of Basel IV accords in the EU
In the latest NBB blog post, our expert explains why a watered-down version of the Basel IV accords is insufficient to ensure financial stability.

Despite the pandemic, direct employment in Belgian ports remained fairly stable in 2020
According to the new NBB report on the economic importance of the Belgian ports, the system of temporary unemployment has avoided many redundancies. Moreover, maritime business activities were considered essential and could operate without interruption.

New peer review on Belgian statistics for European use
Report recommends to strengthen the coordination, to increase the interaction with users and to exploit new data sources. The National Bank of Belgium is involved as producer of macroeconomic statistics.

Belgium’s international trade in goods still growing strongly in March 2022
Exports of goods rose by 33.5 % and imports increased by 40.0 % in March. The war in Ukraine exacerbated already existing tensions on the energy markets. Belgian exports to the warring countries fell sharply, but with little impact on the total.

Study of the impact of rising energy prices for Belgian firms
The steep rise in energy prices and wages is affecting firms in all sectors, but in varying degrees. The ultimate impact depends on the extent to which firms can pass on those higher costs to their customers. This study describes the consequences for Belgian firms’ profit margins.

- 27 May 2022 15:00
Economic indicators for Belgium (2022-21)
- 30 May 2022 10:00
Should we fear China’s brave new digital world?
- 31 May 2022 11:00
Press release - NAI - Quarterly aggregates (2022-I)
- 03 June 2022 15:00
Economic indicators for Belgium (2022-22)
- 10 June 2022 15:00
Economic indicators for Belgium (2022-23)
- 15 June 2022 11:00
Statistical bulletin - Monthly update (2022-05)
- 15 June 2022 11:00
Press release - Foreign Trade (F-N) (2022-03)
- 15 June 2022 11:00
Foreign Trade statistic - Monthly Bulletin (F-N) (2022-03)
- 17 June 2022 15:00
Economic indicators for Belgium (2022-24)
- 22 June 2022 11:00
Press release - Consumer confidence indicator (2022-06)