The new report takes a closer look at companies based in Luxembourg and their activities. Most companies are active in specialised activities, such as accounting, architecture, or engineering. These companies employ the fourth-highest number of workers, behind the commerce, construction, as well as the financial and insurance sector in the Top 3. There are fewer companies in the industrial sector, but they tend to be bigger in size and employ 10% of the workforce in Luxembourg.
In 2020, the first year marked by the pandemic, fewer companies were registered in Luxembourg and in the rest of the eurozone. From 2021, this number has seemingly started to increase more rapidly again in Luxembourg.
Regarding foreign trade, half-finished goods, such as industrial products and fuel, dominate in both exports and imports. Most cross-border trade occurs within the EU.
In spite of mobility grants, the import of bicycles decreased in 2021, “due to supply chains issues,” according to STATEC. However, the import of electric bicycles increased. Motorised bicycles now account for a fifth of all imports.
In 2021, lorries traveled 609 million kilometres to transport goods, the longest distance since 2018.
44,372 cars were registered in 2021, a decrease of 2% compared to 2020. The most popular brands were Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes. For the first time, more hybrid cars were registered than diesel engine cars. The difference was about 1%, with these two engine types now each accounting for about 25% of new registrations.
The Covid-19 crisis had no impact on building permits. Their number increased by 10% to about 3,000 between 2020 and 2021. The residential sector has been gaining importance and permits for flats in particular have increased. Most building permits were issued in Luxembourg City and in cantons located in the south or the centre.
