Construction orders falling in April's tally
While there was a 2.3% increase in orders last April compared to the previous year, statisticians highlighted that this was due to the three extra working days. In the housing construction sector, the German Federation of Building and Construction Industries reported a -0.2% decrease when adjusted for workdays. Tim-Oliver Müller, Association Managing Director, warned that the positive impact of civil engineering would soon fade due to factors like tender cancellations and budget cuts.
The turnover of construction companies grew by 10.5% in April compared to the previous year, but Müller pointed out that the additional working days contributed to this. Turnover for the first four months of the year remained stagnant. The Federal Statistical Office reported a 0.2% decrease in the number of employees in the main construction industry from April 2023 to April 2024.
The Federal Association of Free Real Estate and Housing Companies used the figures to argue for a change: "Enough with the doomsday predictions that no one seems to be listening to," asserted BFW President Dirk Salewski. Federal Minister of Construction Klara Geywitz (SPD) viewed the situation as stable, while Salewski claimed that the industry's predicament was causing widespread suffering, with every seventh job in the sector potentially affected.
He went on to express bewilderment about why the industry, which supports the overall economy significantly, doesn't receive the attention and effort it deserves. Salewski concluded by emphasizing that the real estate and housing industry requires the attention and drive it deserves to avoid continued suffering among citizens, companies, and skilled workers.
Read also:
- Despite the 2.3% increase in construction orders in April 2024, the Federation of the German Construction Industry, led by Tim-Oliver Müller, expressed concerns about an approaching crisis due to factors affecting the civil engineering sector.
- The Federation of the German Construction Industry, based in Wiesbaden, released a report in April 2024 indicating a -0.2% decrease in orders in the housing construction sector when adjusted for workdays.
- During his speech in April 2024, Müller mentioned that the Federation was keeping a close eye on incoming orders and key indicators, such as those reported by Destatis for the main construction industry.
- In an interview with a construction industry news outlet in April 2024, Müller emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges facing the main construction industry to ensure the well-being of skilled workers and the overall economy.
