Production index for construction, Q1 2006

The increase can partly be explained by the fact that Easter this year was in the second quarter (April), while it last year was in the first one (March).

Strong increase both in building activity and in civil engineering works

The production of new buildings increased by 13.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the same quarter in 2005. The corresponding growth was 12.5 per cent within renovation of buildings. From the first quarter of 2005 to the first quarter this year the total production of buildings increased by 13.2 per cent.

High activity levels were also recorded in civil engineering works with an increase in production of 10.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the corresponding quarter in 2005.

Stronger increase in Norway than in Sweden and Denmark

Figures from Eurostat show that the construction activity in Sweden and Denmark increased by 4.4 and 3.8 per cent respectively from 2004 to 2005. In Norway the corresponding growth was 8.4 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Construction, production index. 2000=100
• Table 2 Construction, production index. Seasonally adjusted and trend. 2000=100