In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production rose by 1.3% in the euro area (EA16) and by 1.8% in the EU27 in January 2009, compared with the previous month. In December 2008, production fell by 2.8% and 1.8% respectively. Compared with January 2008, output in January 2009 dropped by 9.1% in the euro area and by 7.3% in the EU27. These first estimates are released by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.

From January 2009 onwards, data for construction output are published according to a new classification. At the same time, indices are calculated and presented with 2005 as a new base year. See annex for more details.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for January 2009, construction output rose in five and fell in six. The most significant increases were registered in Slovenia (+22.4%), Spain (+7.8%) and Sweden (+2.2%). The largest decreases were recorded in Hungary (-13.9%), Germany (-7.8%) and Romania (-6.4%).

Building construction grew by 0.1% in the euro area and by 1.8% in the EU27, after -2.6% and -2.8% respectively in December. Civil engineering rose by 5.1% in the euro area and by 2.3% in the EU27, after -2.7% and -1.4% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for January 2009, construction output rose in three and fell in eight. The increases were recorded in Poland (+9.1%), Romania (+7.0%) and Sweden (+1.2%). The largest decreases were registered in Germany (-25.6%), Slovenia (-20.7%) and Hungary (-16.0%).

Building construction fell by 12.0% in the euro area and by 9.0% in the EU27, after -14.7% and -12.0% respectively in December. Civil engineering declined by 1.6% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU27, after -9.9% and -5.4% respectively in the previous month.

Note: Specific data for Malta was not available.