KHL Group - First For Global Construction Information

Swedish construction output grows as Europe slows

Written by Steve Skinner - 19 Mar 2010

Swedish construction output experienced the strongest growth in Europe according to the latest figures from Eurostat.

With December 2009 to January 2010 growth of +2,7% and January 2009 to January 2010 growth of +13,6%, Sweden was one of only two countries in Europe that posted both monthly and annual growth, the other being the UK with December to January growth of +0,9% and January 2009 to January 2010 growth of +1,1%.

Across the Euro area (EA16) as a whole construction output fell -2,2% from December 2009 to January 2010 and by -12,5% from January 2009 to January 2010.

Hardest hit in January was the Czech Republic with a decline in construction output of -22%. Germany also saw a double-digit decline of -14,3%. Bulgaria and Spain saw a -6,1% reduction in output, with Romania falling -5,9% and Portugal -4,6%.

January 2009 to January 2010 figures were even more dramatic with Bulgaria recording a -30% decline in construction output.

Five other European countries recorded double-digit declines, headed by the Czech Republic with a drop of -24,6%. Germany, Spain, Poland and Romania recorded annual declines of - 16,5%, -14,6%, -11,2% and -12,4% respectively. Lesser annual falls were recorded in France (-7,4%), Portugal (-9,3%) and Slovenia (-6,4%).