The September inflation figures that were released on Monday show that inflation in Belgium has risen above 2% again. This follows year-on-year inflation figures of below 2% in the previous 2 months. In September inflation stood at 2.12%, up from 1.91% in August. The rise in inflation is largely due to an increase in food prices.
Food inflation rose from 2.42% in August to 3.32% in September. Meat and coffee were among the products fuelling the increase. The price of beef is currently 16.9% higher than it was a year ago, while the price of coffee is up 13.9%. There has also been a sharp rise in the price of chocolate, jewellery and domestic service.
Meanwhile, energy prices continue to fall. This month energy prices are 1.48% lower than they were a year ago. Meanwhile, the price of new televisions is down 16.1% with new smartphones 14.2% cheaper than they were in September 2024.
Core inflation that excludes energy and unprocessed food stood at 2.61% in September. Meanwhile, Service inflation remained broadly stable at 3.47%. Rents rose by 4% between September 2024 and September 2025.
The trigger index, a mechanism by which public sector wages, pensions and benefits increase to keep up with the cost of living, has not been exceeded. The Federal Planning Bureau doesn’t expect the trigger index to be exceeded until January next year. If this forecast is correct public sector pay and benefits will rise by 2% in April 2026.