The added value created by the chemicals, plastics and life sciences industry provides a clear indication of how much the sector contributes to the overall creation of wealth.

The industry’s contribution to economic prosperity has been increasing over the last decade and in 2017, it generated €19.2 billion of added value.

In addition, the sector’s importance within the industrial fabric of Belgium continues to grow, primarily boosted by strong growth in the biopharmaceutical industry. The chemicals, plastics and life sciences industry’s share of the total value added of Belgium’s manufacturing industry increased from 27% in 2007 to 34% in 2017 – double the European chemicals, plastics and life sciences sector’s share of manufacturing in the euro area (17% in 2017).

Although Belgium represents only 2% of Europe’s population and 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is Europe’s sixth largest chemicals producer, accounting for 5% of the added value of the European chemicals industry.