In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production fell by 2.2% in the euro area (EA16) and by 2.0% in the EU272 in January 2010, compared with the previous month. In December 20093, production decreased by 1.0% in the euro area, but rose by 0.8% in the EU27. Compared with January 2009, output in January 2010 dropped by 12.5% in the euro area and by 8.4% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for January 2010, construction output fell in eight and rose in Slovenia (+7.1%), Sweden (+2.7%) and the United Kingdom (+0.9%). The largest decreases were recorded in the Czech Republic (-22.0%), Germany (-14.3%), Bulgaria and Spain (both -6.1%).

Building construction fell by 2.5% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU27, after +1.2% and -0.7% respectively in December. Civil engineering declined by 1.7% in the euro area and by 2.3% in the EU27, after -2.1% and -0.5% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for January 2010, construction output fell in nine and grew in Sweden (+13.6%) and the United Kingdom (+1.1%). The largest decreases were registered in Bulgaria (-30.0%), the Czech Republic (-24.6%), Germany (-16.5%) and Spain (-14.6%).

Building construction dropped by 10.6% in the euro area and by 7.6% in the EU27, after -4.9% and -6.5% respectively in December. Civil engineering decreased by 10.5% in the euro area and by 2.9% in the EU27, after -0.2% and +4.6% respectively in the previous month.