Belgium's consumer price index rose by 2.15 percent in June, up from 2.01 percent in May, according to Statbel. The monthly increase of 0.47 points (0.35 percent) reflects growing cost pressures across key household-related goods and services.
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Notably, "household appliances and repairs" registered one of the most significant price increases in June, reflecting inflationary pressure on consumer durable goods. Additional upward contributors included private rents, hotel stays, and dining out, areas integral to the interiors and hospitality industries.
Core inflation, excluding energy and unprocessed food, rose to 2.63 percent in June from 2.59 percent the previous month, signalling persistent underlying cost rises in the furniture and homeware sectors. Meanwhile, energy inflation remained negative at, 1.75 percent, mainly due to declining electricity, natural gas, and heating oil prices.
Statbel reports a 3.14 percent annual increase in food prices, and services inflation stood at 3.57 percent, while rents alone increased by 4.09 percent year-on-year (statbel.fgov.be). Rents' steep rise could influence decisions by developers, landlords, and interior firms involved in new residential and rental projects.
The harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) flash estimate for June stood at 2.8 percent, up from May's 2.8 percent, indicating broader EU inflation trends to which Belgian furniture and homeware importers and exporters should remain attentive.
More information:
Statbel
www.statbel.fgov.be