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Market Overview

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The construction equipment market in Belgium is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 4% from 2022 to 2027. By 2028, it is expected to surpass $2.74 billion, increasing from $2.13 billion in 2022. The market is also expected to see a rise in the number of units, reaching 40,268 by 2028. This growth can be attributed to the increasing government investments in infrastructure and renewable energy projects, which are driving the demand for construction equipment in Belgium.

In 2021, the Earthmoving segment, particularly excavators, held the largest share in Belgium’s construction equipment market. This can be attributed to the significant growth in infrastructure investment under the national recovery resilience plan for 2030, as well as the expansion of civil engineering and housing projects. These factors are expected to continue supporting the demand for excavators.

The Belgian government has shifted its focus towards renewable and nuclear energy resources and plans to invest an additional $1.3 billion in upgrading the renewable energy industry by 2030. This increase in renewable energy projects is expected to drive the demand for excavators and cranes in Belgium.

Furthermore, the government’s increased investment in warehouse and logistics infrastructure is supporting the growth of the country’s logistics and transport industry. As a result, there is a significant demand for forklifts in Belgium due to the growing logistics and warehouse sector.

The construction industry in Belgium faced labor shortage issues in 2021, with approximately 13% of workers leaving the sector each year due to technological advancements and innovation. To address this issue, there is an expected demand for automation, Internet of Things (IoT), remote monitoring, and AI-based construction equipment in the Belgian market.

In 2020, Belgium’s economy was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a contraction of 6.3% in the country’s GDP. The construction industry also declined by 4.5% due to disruptions in the supply of raw materials and labor. However, to stimulate economic recovery, the European Union provided a $6.2 billion fund under the Recovery and Resilience Plan in 2021 to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the government allocated $1083.3 million from the national recovery and resilience plan for renovating buildings in various regions of Belgium.

The construction industry in Belgium experienced significant growth of 6.6% in 2021, primarily driven by increased infrastructure investments in the transport and renewable energy sectors. The national budget for 2021 included additional funding of $267.6 million for Belgian railways over the next three years, focusing on expanding rail freight and upgrading transportation infrastructure. The civil engineering and non-residential markets are the key drivers of growth in 2022. Moreover, investment in public sector infrastructure, digitalization, and the circular and green economy, supported by EU financing, is expected to further drive the industry’s growth.

The Belgium Ministry of Mobility and Public Works invested $2.5 billion in 924 minor and major projects in 2020. These investments aim to boost the construction industry and generate employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall economy of the Belgian market.

In 2021, the government allocated $299.7 million for affordable housing as part of the Regional Housing Plan and the Habitat Alliance. This investment aims to sustain the existing housing stock and construct 6,400 new housing units.

According to European Union data, the civil engineering segment in Belgium grew by approximately 3% in 2021 and is expected to continue growing by 3% to 4% in 2022. Major infrastructure projects, including the Oosterweel project and affordable housing initiatives, are anticipated to drive the growth of the construction industry.

The Belgian government has approved an additional expenditure of $1.3 billion in mid-March 2022 for renewable energy sources following the extension of two nuclear reactors. This decision marks a significant step towards rapid growth in renewable energy. The government is expected to surpass its 2030 targets, exceeding the goals for wind power and solar photovoltaics (PV) by a significant margin.

In 2021, photovoltaic systems generated 4.7 terawatt-hours of power, representing a 9.7% increase compared to 2020. It is estimated that annual solar energy output will reach 9.7 terawatt-hours by 2030. Additionally, wind farms in the North Sea are projected to generate 6.8 terawatt-hours of power. Ongoing renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms and solar plants with capacities of 4.8GW and 3.8GW respectively in 2022, are expected to drive the demand for mini excavators and cranes.

The inflation rate in Belgium rose by 8% in February 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine War, primarily driven by a sharp increase in energy prices. This high inflation rate is expected to continue rising, reaching 8.9% in 2023. As a result, Belgium’s central bank has lowered its growth forecasts for 2022 and 2023, attributing the downward revisions to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on consumer spending and trade. Despite these challenges, the construction sector still faces labor shortages and delayed projects due to rising prices of building materials such as steel, iron, and pipelines.

Funding challenges have resulted in delays in infrastructure projects for contractors and construction companies. To address this issue, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Komatsu, Caterpillar, SANY, and Hitachi Construction Machinery have provided financial assistance to customers. In 2021, OEMs in Belgium experienced a surge in equipment financing activities.

OEMs are focusing on maximizing the benefits from the increased demand for construction equipment in Belgium due to infrastructure projects. For example, Hitachi launched a digital application for equipment performance monitoring and technical support systems in 2022. In 2021, Hitachi also introduced a spare parts e-commerce platform to enhance customer experience. Komatsu and Caterpillar are training their staff to utilize digital platforms for aftersales services and regular equipment maintenance. These OEMs are utilizing innovation and digitalization to provide better services and enhance customer loyalty.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including type and end user.

Segmentation by Type
Earthmoving Equipment – Excavator, Backhoe Loaders, Motor Graders, Other Earthmoving Equipment (Other loaders, Bulldozers, Trenchers)
Material Handling Equipment – Crane, Forklift & Telescopic Handlers, Aerial Platforms (Articulated Boom Lifts, Telescopic Boom lifts, Scissor lifts)
Road Construction Equipment – Road Rollers, Asphalt Pavers

Segmentation by End Users
Construction
Manufacturing
Mining
Others

In 2021, earthmoving equipment accounted for the majority share of 60.5% in the overall construction equipment market. This can be attributed to the extensive use of earthmoving equipment in construction sites for excavation tasks and heavy lifting. It is expected that the Belgium earthmoving equipment market will reach a volume of 25,167 units by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.51%.

The construction industry held a significant portion of 56.8% in the Belgium construction equipment market in 2021. It is projected that the market will reach 23,718 units by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.56%. This growth is driven by government investments in renewable power generation and infrastructure development, leading to increased civil engineering activities. Construction equipment plays a crucial role in digging, demolition, lifting, and leveling the construction area surface. In 2022, a growth rate of over 7% is anticipated in building production.

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Competitive Landscape

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In 2021, market leaders such as Caterpillar, Volvo Construction Equipment, Komatsu, and Kubota accounted for a combined market share of 15%.

The notable players in the Belgium construction equipment market include Hitachi Construction Machinery, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Kobelco, Hyundai Construction Equipment, JCB, Liebherr, Zoomlion, Kubota, XCMG, Sany, and Volvo Construction Equipment.

Additionally, there are other prominent vendors in the market, including Liu Gong, Yanmar, Case Construction Equipment, and Terex Corporation.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the market size of the construction equipment market in Belgium?

The construction equipment market in Belgium had a valuation of USD 2.13 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.74 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% during the period from 2022 to 2028.

Who are the major players in the construction machinery market in Belgium?

The key players in the construction machinery market in Belgium include Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, JCB, Sany, Hyundai, Kobelco, Zoomlion, Hitachi, Kubota, and the Liebherr Group.

What are the market opportunities for players in the construction equipment industry in Belgium?

Some of the market opportunities for players in the construction equipment industry in Belgium include an increase in equipment financing schemes offered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the growth of the infrastructure and manufacturing industries.

How many units of construction equipment are projected to be sold in Belgium in 2028?

By 2028, it is expected that 40,268 units of construction equipment will be sold in Belgium, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.04%.