OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2016 Issue 1
The OECD Economic Outlook is the OECD's twice-yearly analysis of the major economic trends and prospects for the next two years. The Outlook puts forward a consistent set of projections for output, employment, prices, fiscal and current account balances.
Coverage is provided for all OECD member countries as well as for selected non-member countries. This issue includes a general assessment, a special chapter on promoting productivity and equality, a chapter summarising developments and providing projections for each individual country and a statistical annex.
Belgium
Economic growth will slow down in 2016 as fiscal consolidation and wage moderation curb private consumption. In addition, the terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris in winter have reduced activity, for example in the tourism and restaurant sectors. Activity will gradually accelerate and become more broad-based as firms’ profit margins improve and better financial conditions boost investment. A reform that shifted taxes from earned income to other bases will reduce labour costs and so raise employment. Exports will strengthen as growth picks up in Europe. Inflation will continue to increase, following the rise of indirect taxes in 2016 and as economic slack shrinks.