Swedish construction output grows as Europe slows

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%).