Belgian Economy Grew in 2Q as Pandemic Restrictions Were Eased

By Maria Martinez

The Belgian economy grew in the second quarter thanks to the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions, the National Bank of Belgium said Thursday.

The country's gross domestic product grew 1.4% compared with the previous quarter, the central bank said.

According to a first estimate, value added was up on the previous quarter by 1.1 % in industry, 0.5 % in construction and 1.4% in services, the report said.

The agency also revised data for the first quarter of 2021. Following the revision, the data showed that Belgium's GDP grew 1.1% compared with a first estimate of 0.6% growth.

Compared with the second quarter of 2020, which was seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy grew 14.5%, the National Bank of Belgium said.

Write to Maria Martinez at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

07-29-21 0514ET