Construction turnover slumps in 2009

After years of sustained growth, turnover realised by the construction sector slumped 4.5 percent in 2009. Turnover was 87 billion euro  in 2009.

Construction turnover, 2009

Further decline

In the first quarter of 2009, construction turnover was still 1.5 percent up on one year previously, but subsequently turnover a downward trend set in. In the fourth quarter of last year, turnover was nearly 10 percent lower than in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Turnover residential and non-residential building considerably down

Civil engineering was the only branch within the construction sector to show turnover growth last year (nearly 4 percent). The growth is partly caused by government activities to step up the construction of infrastructure works.

Residential and non-residential building, including dwellings, offices and hospitals suffered badly in 2009. Turnover was reduced by just over 8 percent. Other construction branches, e.g. installers, painters and plasterers, had to cope with more than 4 percent loss of turnover.

Turnover by branch in the construction sector in 2009

With a turnover share of 43 percent, residential and non-residential building is by far the largest branch within the construction sector. The turnover share of civil engineering is 18 percent and the other branches in the construction sector account for 39 percent.

Ingrid Zum Vörde Sive Vörding and Ron Duijkers