Production index for construction, Q1 2008

Following a strong increase in civil engineering works in 2006 and the first quarter of 2007, the activity decreased in the second half of 2007. However, in the first quarter of 2008 the production in civil engineering increased again. Adjusted for seasonal variation the production increased by 7.4 per cent from the fourth quarter last year to the first quarter this year. The building activity increased throughout 2007, but decreased by 1.2 per cent the last quarter.

Decrease in production due to early Easter

When comparing unadjusted figures from the first quarter last year to the first quarter this year, a decrease is recorded in all the construction sectors. This is due to the early Easter. The Easter this year was in the first quarter (March), while it last year was in the second one (April).

The production of new buildings decreased by 1.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the corresponding quarter in 2007. The decrease within renovation of buildings was 1.7 per cent. From the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter this year the total production of buildings decreased by 1.5 per cent, while civil engineering decreased by 2.5 per cent.

The total production in the construction industry decreased by 1.7 per cent from the first quarter last year to the first quarter this year.

For international comparisons, go to EUROSTAT (EU).

Tables:

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