Construction output reduced by 5.5 % in Q1 2024

The latest Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data at constant prices show that in Q1 2024, compared to Q1 2023, construction output¹ reduced by 5.5 %. Output in construction of buildings fell by 22 % whereas in civil engineering as well as specialised construction grew by 19 % and 3.1 %, respectively (installation of solar panels and equipment thereof had the largest contribution to the increased output).

Higher construction output in civil engineering was facilitated by upturn in construction of utility projects (35.2 %) and construction of roads and railways (2.5 %). Output in construction of other civil engineering projects not elsewhere classified (water projects and other civil engineering not elsewhere classified) dropped by 4 %.

Among specialised construction activities, increased output was registered in demolition and site preparation (7.6 %), electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities (6.3 %), and other specialised construction activities (14.8 %). However, output in building completion and finishing (plastering, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing, etc.) fell by 12.5 %.

In Q1 2024, compared to Q4 2023, construction output reduced by 2.9 % (seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). Construction of buildings went down by 16 %, civil engineering by 15.7 %, while specialised construction activities up by 3.1 %.

Change in construction output

(per cent, at constant prices)

Building permits granted²

In Q1 2024, 659 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the intended area of 152 thousand m² (520 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 116 thousand m²). Out of the number, 416 permits were granted for the construction of one-dwelling buildings with the intended area of 87 thousand m².

During the period, 251 building permits were granted for the construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of non-residential buildings with the intended area of 198 thousand m² (182 permits were issued for the construction of new non-residential buildings with the intended area of 120 thousand m²). Out of the number, 52 permits were granted for the construction of industrial buildings and warehouses with the intended area of 43 thousand m² (38 permits for the construction of new buildings with the intended area of 35 thousand m²).

Methodological information

¹ Own account construction works, including those performed abroad.

²  Record in the Construction Information System states that conditions for the commencement of construction work have been met.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on data:
Industrial and Construction Statistics Section
Dmitrijs Medvedevs
E-mail: Dmitrijs.Medvedevs@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366908