Europe construction output tracks modest monthly drop in September

LONDON (ICIS)–Construction activity in both the eurozone and EU tracked a mild decline compared to the previous month, according to the latest official data on Wednesday.

Production fell by 0.1% in both the eurozone and wider EU compared to August, accounting for seasonal adjustment, with building construction the main lag on activity, falling 0.8% and 0.9% respectively.

Monthly losses were offset by gains in civil engineering activity (up 1.4% in the eurozone and 0.6% in the EU). Specialised construction activity fell 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.

Compared to a year prior, overall production construction fell by 1.6% in the eurozone and by 2.0% in the EU with declines consistent across all sectors.

Building construction accounted for the biggest decline in both blocs, falling by 1.6% and 2.7% respectively on September 2023’s output.

Civil engineering activity fell by 0.5% in the eurozone and by 2.2% in the EU, with specialised building activity falling by 2.2% in the eurozone and by 1.9% in the EU.

Numerous petrochemicals and specialty chemicals are key ingredients in products used for modern construction, including adhesives, ad-mixtures, sealants, coatings, paints, flooring, insulation and water proofing.

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