In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production rose by 7.6% in the euro area (EA16) and by 6.8% in the EU27 in March 2010, compared with the previous month. In February, production fell by 7.2% and 5.3% respectively.

Compared with March 2009, output in March 2010 dropped by 5.2% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for March 2010, construction output rose in thirteen and fell only in Sweden (-0.4%). The highest increases were registered in Germany (+26.7%), Hungary (+5.5%) and the Czech Republic (+4.7%).

Building construction rose by 9.5% in the euro area and by 7.3% in the EU27, after -7.6% and -5.3% respectively in February. Civil engineering increased by 1.0% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU27, after -5.3% and -3.1% respectively in the previous month.

Annual comparison

Among the Member States for which data are available for March 2010, construction output fell in twelve and grew only in the United Kingdom (+9.2%) and Germany (+2.6%). The largest decreases were registered in Romania (-23.1%), Bulgaria (-20.9%), Slovenia (-19.7%) and the Czech Republic (-19.1%).

Building construction decreased by 2.5% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU27, after -14.9% and -11.0% respectively in February. Civil engineering dropped by 13.8% in the euro area and by 4.2% in the EU27, after -14.2% and -4.5% respectively in the previous month.