In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production decreased by 1.3% in the euro area (EA15)and by 1.5% in the EU27 in September 2008, compared with the previous month. In August, production grew by 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.

Compared with September 2007, output in September 2008 dropped by 3.8% in the euro area and by 3.1% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for September 2008, construction output rose in eight and fell in five. The most significant increases were registered in Slovakia (+7.2%), Portugal (+6.8%) and Bulgaria (+5.9%). The largest decreases were recorded in the United Kingdom (-8.5%) and Spain (-7.8%).

Building construction decreased by 1.5% in the euro area and by 2.3% in the EU27, after +0.5% in both zones in August. Civil engineering fell by 1.0% in the euro area, but increased by 3.0% in the EU27, after +1.2% and -0.5% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for September 2008, construction output rose in eight and fell in five. The highest increases were recorded in Romania (+27.0%), Slovenia (+19.4%) and Bulgaria (+17.7%). The largest decreases were registered in Spain (-24.1%) and Sweden (-19.8%).

Building construction decreased by 4.3% in the euro area and by 4.2% in the EU27, after -1.1% and +0.3% respectively in August. Civil engineering fell by 2.6% in the euro area, but increased by 3.7% in the EU27, after -2.1% in both zones in the previous month.