The 2025 Annual Economic Figures for the Chemicals, Plastics, and Life Sciences Sector in Belgium (essenscia)

With a loss of 1,590 jobs, a nearly 5% drop in exports, and virtually no new investment announcements, the Belgian chemical and pharmaceutical sector is at a tipping point. If structural competitive disadvantages are not quickly addressed, the sector risks missing a crucial investment cycle. This not only jeopardizes jobs but also undermines the industrial transition and increases the risk of growing import dependency. The sector federation essenscia is urgently calling for an effective reduction in energy and CO2 costs, better protection against unfair international competition, and policy measures that stimulate growth and attract investment.