Belgium: Harmonized inflation holds steady in February
Latest reading: Harmonized inflation remained at 4.4% for the third consecutive month in February. The reading marked the joint-highest inflation rate since November 2024. Looking at the details of the release, price pressures for food and non-alcoholic beverages were broadly steady; price growth for housing and utilities plus transport softened; and price rises for recreation strengthened from the prior month.
The trend was unchanged, with annual average harmonized inflation coming in at January’s 4.6% in February. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation fell to 3.5% in February from January’s 4.1%.
Lastly, harmonized consumer prices rose 2.44% over the previous month in February, contrasting the 0.78% fall recorded in January. February’s result was the highest reading since August 2023.