In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production grew by 0.9% in the euro area (EA13) and by 1.1% in the EU27 in March 2007, compared to the previous month. In February, production increased by 1.3% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU27. In March 2007, compared to March 2006, output gained 11.4% in the euro area and 11.2% in the EU27, after rises of 11.7% in the euro area and 9.5% in the EU27 in February.



Monthly comparison

In March 2007, among the Member States for which data are available, construction output rose in seven Member States, fell in five and remained stable in the Netherlands. The most significant increases were recorded in the United Kingdom (+6.9%), Spain (+3.6%) and Romania (+2.4%). The largest decreases were registered in Germany (-6.5%), Slovakia (-3.7%) and Portugal (-1.2%).

Building construction rose by 1.2% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU27, after increases of 1.3% and 0.7% respectively in February. Civil engineering grew by 0.4% in the euro area and by 1.2% in the EU27, after increases of 1.9% and 0.8% respectively in February.

Annual comparison

In March 2007, among the Member States for which data are available, construction output rose in twelve Member States and fell only in Portugal (-7.3%). The largest increases were recorded in Poland (+41.6%), Slovenia (+36.6%) and Romania (+32.6%).

Building construction rose by 10.3% in the euro area and by 10.4% in the EU27, after increases of 9.7% and 8.6% respectively in February. Civil engineering grew by 13.4% in the euro area and by 13.5% in the EU27, after increases of 18.1% and 11.7% respectively in February.