Production index for construction, Q4 2006

After the building activity levelled out in the first three quarters of 2006, it increased at the end of the year. Adjusted for seasonal variations the production in the building sector increased by 2.1 per cent from the third to the fourth quarter. The production of new buildings was 6.4 per cent higher in the fourth quarter of 2006 than in the fourth quarter of 2005. The production rise within repair, maintenance and improvement of buildings was more moderate, up 2.7 per cent compared with the fourth quarter in 2005. In total, the building activity increased by 4.7 per cent in this period.

Total production in the construction industry was 5.4 per cent higher in the fourth quarter of 2006 than in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Annual growth 6.1 per cent

From 2005 to 2006 the yearly index for total production in the construction industry increased by 6.1 per cent. This is based on the average of the quarterly indexes. The partial indexes for the year show an increase in building activity of 6.4 per cent, while the production in civil engineering increased by 5.0 per cent.

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