European construction decline headed by Germany

Construction output in the 27 EU countries was down -7,3% in January 2009, compared to 12 months previously, according to new figures from Eurostat.

The building sector was, as in December, the hardest hit, with a -9% year-on-year fall, while the drop in civil engineering activity grew to -2,1%, worse than reported the previous month.

Of those countries that reported data, the biggest fall was seen in Germany, down -25,6% year-on-year. It was followed by Slovenia (-20,7%) and Hungary (-16%).

Only three countries enjoyed year-on-year growth for the 12 months up to January. Poland saw a +9,1% rise in construction output, while Romania saw a +7 % rise and Sweden a modest +1,2 increase.