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Clear improvement in the balance of trade in the first half of 2024
Imports fell by more than exports, particularly chemicals, pharmaceuticals and mineral products. The balance of trade in transport equipment also improved, owing to the sale of several ships.
![331838272](https://www.nbb.be/sites/nbb.be/files/styles/feature_small/public/media/331838272.jpg?itok=q3677-9d)
The Belgian economy grew in the second quarter of 2024
Gross domestic product (GDP) climbed by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter. The year-on-year growth rate was 1.1 %. Value added fell in the manufacturing industry, while the building industry and services sector recorded growth.
![man scanning products in warehouse - 156865769](https://www.nbb.be/sites/nbb.be/files/styles/feature_small/public/media/156865769.jpg?itok=mz16wYXf)
Investment funds enjoy robust growth, driven mainly by positive valuation effects.
During the first quarter of 2024, shares issued by Belgian funds markedly increased in value, reaching €244.7 billion. Belgian households invested relatively more in shares issued by domestic funds (76% of purchases) than by foreign funds.
![Organismes de placement collectifs](https://www.nbb.be/sites/nbb.be/files/styles/feature_small/public/media/spotlight_260724_04_beleggingsfondsen.jpg?itok=RmDGddgj)
Business confidence falls in July
After several months of near stability, the business confidence indicator dropped to a level close to that recorded in February. Confidence in the business climate worsened in the manufacturing industry and in business-related services, while the building industry grew slightly more optimistic.
![La confiance des chefs d'entreprise s'est affaiblie en juillet](https://www.nbb.be/sites/nbb.be/files/styles/feature_small/public/media/250724_conjunctuur.jpg?itok=KKn_lWKo)
Consumer confidence weakens in July
Fears of a rise in unemployment over the next twelve months have sharply intensified. Households are less optimistic about their savings intentions over the coming twelve months.
![spotlight](https://www.nbb.be/sites/nbb.be/files/styles/feature_small/public/media/spotlight_64.jpg?itok=O-3PzjsD)
- 19 August 2024 10:00
Inputs in distress: Geoeconomic fragmentation and firms’ sourcing
- 22 August 2024 11:00
Press release - Consumer confidence indicator (2024-08)
- 26 August 2024 15:00
Press release - Business confidence indicator (2024-08)
- 30 August 2024 11:00
Press release - NAI - Quarterly aggregates (2024-II)
- 16 September 2024 11:00
Press release - Foreign Trade Statistics (F-N) (2024-06)
- 16 September 2024 11:00
Foreign Trade Statistics - Monthly Bulletin (F-N) (2024-06)
- 20 September 2024 11:00
Press release - Consumer confidence indicator (2024-09)
- 24 September 2024 15:00
Press release - Business confidence indicator (2024-09)
- 30 September 2024 11:00
Press release - Net international investment position and balance of payments financial account (2024-II)
- 11 October 2024 11:00
Press release - Financial accounts of Belgium (2024-II)