In 2024, 11,067 companies will cease their activity in Belgium, a figure not seen since 2013. increase in bankruptcies has affected all regions of the country, with marked repercussions in key sectors such as construction and transport.
This phenomenon, which is accompanied by 32,566 job lossesraises questions about the economic and social resilience of the country. Persistent inflation and difficulties in accessing financing have increased the vulnerability of businesses, particularly SMEs.
An alarming progression in all regions
The year 2024 saw an increase in bankruptcies in all Belgian regions. In Flandersthe number reached a record level with 6,323 companies closed, an increase of 7% compared to 2023. Wallonia, 2,821 bankruptcies were recorded, marking an increase of 6.2%, although this is not a record for the region. HAS Bruxellesthe increase was even more marked, with an increase of 14.5% to reach 1,923 bankruptcieseven if this figure remains below pre-pandemic levels where it often exceeded 3,000.
This general increase is explained by a combination of economic factors: inflation, increased energy costs and difficulties in accessing credit for small businesses. These pressures have weakened businesses, particularly those operating in sectors traditionally sensitive to economic variations.
Sectors of activity hard hit
Certain sectors have been particularly affected by this wave of bankruptcies. The constructionalready affected by the health crisis and the surge in material prices, saw 2,619 companies going out of business, an increase of 17.4% compared to 2023. The transportation and warehousing also suffered a major setback with 724 bankruptciesmarking an increase of 11.7%.
-The repercussions on employment are equally worrying. The bankruptcies led to 32,566 job lossesan increase of 18.3% compared to the previous year. There Flanders is the most affected with 19,179 positions eliminateda record in twelve years. In WalloniaTHE 8,573 losses represent the highest level since 2015, while Brussels saw a notable increase with 4,814 jobs destroyedup 20%.
This situation raises questions about the economic policies to be implemented to support vulnerable sectors. Although one-off aid has been put in place, its effectiveness seems limited given the scale of the structural economic challenges.
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