Brussels, 17/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production fell by 1.8% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27 in February 2009, compared to the previous month. In January, production rose by 1.6% and 1.7% respectively. Compared with February 2008, output in February 2009 dropped by 11.8% in the euro area and by 11.2% in the EU27. These first estimates were released by
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
Monthly comparison. The most significant increases were registered in Bulgaria (2.0%), Germany (1.9%) and Slovenia (1.1%). Building construction decreased by 1.5% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27, after +0.2% and +1.7% respectively in January. Civil engineering decreased by 3.6% in the euro area and by 2.8% in the EU27, after +5.4% and +2.7% respectively in the previous month.
Annual comparison. Construction output rose only in Poland (2.2%) and Sweden (2.1%). The largest decreases were registered in Slovenia (25.0%), Germany (20.9%) and Spain (15.4%). Building construction decreased by 13.1% in the euro area and by 12.2% in the EU27, after -11.7% and -9.5% respectively in January. Civil engineering fell by 9.5% in the euro area and by 8.2% in the EU27, after -0.4% and -1.0% respectively in the previous month. (LC./transl.jh/rt)