In 2021, construction output decreased by 6.2 %
The latest data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB) show that, in 2021, compared to 2020, construction output1 according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices decreased by 6.2 %. Construction output decreased in construction of buildings - by 10.5 %, in civil engineering - by 5 %, and in specialised construction activities - by 2.7 %.
In the 4th quarter of 2021, compared to the 4th quarter of 2020, construction output according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices decreased by 11 %. Construction output decreased in civil engineering by 17.7 %, in construction of buildings - by 8.6 % and in specialised construction activities - by 6.9 %.
The fall in output in civil engineering was driven by a decrease of 28.9 % in construction of roads and railways and by 7.9 % in utility projects, while in other civil engineering (construction of water projects and other civil engineering projects n.e.c.) production output increased by 70 %.
In specialised construction activities, demolition and site preparation decreased by 41.5 %, building completion (plastering, joinery installation, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing) – by 12.3 % and other specialised construction activities (roofing and n.e.c.) by 10.4 %. In turn, the volume of electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities increased by 2.2 %.
In the 4th quarter of 2021, compared to the 3rd quarter of 2021, construction output fell by 3.5 % according to seasonally adjusted data at constant prices, of which in civil engineering - by 9.9 %, in specialized construction activities - by 8.2 % and in construction of buildings it rose by 5.7 %.
Construction output changes
(as per cent, at constant prices)
| In 2021, compared to 2020 (calendar adjusted) | 4th quarter of 2021, compared to | |
3rd quarter of 2021 (seasonally adjusted) | 4th quarter of 2020 (calendar adjusted) | ||
Total | -6.2 | -3.5 | -11.0 |
Construction of buildings | -10.5 | 5.7 | -8.6 |
Civil engineering | -5.0 | -9.9 | -17.7 |
Construction of roads and railways (incl. bridges) | -6.1 | -18.8 | -28.9 |
Construction of utility projects | -6.0 | -3.9 | -7.9 |
Construction of other civil engineering projects n.e.c. (water projects and other civil engineering n.e.c.) | 12.2 | 82.4 | 70.0 |
Specialised construction activities | -2.7 | -8.2 | -6.9 |
Demolition and site preparation | -22.0 | -21.3 | -41.5 |
Electrical, plumbing and other construction installation activities | -2.4 | 3.5 | 2.2 |
Building completion and finishing (plastering, floor and wall covering, painting and glazing, etc.) | 0.7 | -17.3 | -12.3 |
Other specialised construction activities n.e.c. | -1.7 | -5.5 | -10.4 |
Building permits granted2
In 2021, 3387 building permits were issued for building permits for construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the total floor space of 924 thousand square metres (including 2787 building permits issued for new construction with the intended floor space of 703 thousand square meters). 2 270 building permits were issued for the construction of new single-apartment houses (intended floor space of 462 000 square metres).
For the construction of non-residential buildings, major repairs, reconstruction and restoration, 1 585 building permits were issued for a total area of 1 826 thousand square metres (1 142 building permits for new construction with intended floor space of 861 thousand square metres). 243 building permits were issued for industrial buildings and warehouses with a total area of 493 thousand square metres, of which 164 - for new buildings with a total area of 329 thousand square metres.
In 4th quarter of 2021, 784 building permits were issued for building permits for construction, capital repairs, reconstruction and restoration of residential buildings with the total floor space of 245 thousand square metres (including 649 building permits issued for new construction with the intended floor space of 205 thousand square meters). 512 building permits were issued for the construction of new single-apartment houses (intended floor space of 107 000 square metres).
For the construction of non-residential buildings, major repairs, reconstruction and restoration, 366 building permits were issued for a total area of 276 thousand square metres (270 building permits for new construction with intended floor space of 153 thousand square metres). 55 building permits were issued for industrial buildings and warehouses with a total area of 93 thousand square metres, of which 38 - for new buildings with a total area of 75 thousand square metres.
Methodological explanations
1 Own account construction works, including those performed abroad.
2 Since the 4th quarter of 2014, the term granted permits in construction statistics characterises construction permit records confirming that conditions for commencement of construction work have been met.
Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csb.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366989, +371 67880666
More information on data:
Industrial and Construction Statistics Section
Dmitrijs Medvedevs
E-mail: Dmitrijs.Medvedevs@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366908
Share