Brick production in Belgium set to see a slight recovery in 2025
The year 2025 was characterised by ongoing challenges for the Belgian construction industry. Following the significant decline in 2024, new residential construction in particular remains under pressure. Although the refurbishment sector recorded relatively modest growth, momentum there also remains subdued. A similar trend can be observed in neighbouring countries.
The brick industry continues to feel the effects of these market conditions. In 2025, there was a slight increase in total brick production in Belgium to around 1,813,840 tonnes, representing a 13 percent rise compared with 2024. Production comprised 646,880 tonnes of bricks for standard masonry and 1,166,961 tonnes of facing bricks. In addition, 819,469 m² of brick slips were produced, and the production of narrower facing bricks in the eco-format reached 1,346,544 m².
Exports totalled 797,176 tonnes, representing approximately 44 percent of total production. Export figures are calculated on the basis of a survey of members and data from the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). Exports were mainly to neighbouring countries. The United Kingdom remained the most important export destination for facade bricks in 2025. The Netherlands was the most important export destination for internal wall bricks. In 2025, 166,340 tonnes of brick products were imported into Belgium (source: NBB). The Netherlands was the main country of origin.
The trend in building permits also confirms the challenging market environment. In 2025, the number of permits granted in Belgium for both new builds and refurbishments was below the previous year’s figure. With 42,478 permits for new dwellings, the lowest level since 2001 was reached. The number of approved refurbishments of residential buildings also fell by 4 percent to 25,268 units.
As building permits are an important indicator of future construction activity, these figures point to a weak outlook. According to Embuild, the Belgian construction association, the outlook for construction activity in Belgium in 2026 is rather bleak, with at best only limited stabilisation. The new-build sector remains in a structural crisis, with a further decline expected in 2026.
At the same time, structural demand on the Belgian housing market remains particularly high. To keep pace with demographic trends up to 2030, 30,000 to 40,000 new affordable homes are needed each year. Furthermore, a significant acceleration in the pace of renovation is required to meet European climate targets.
