The building industry in France has been growing 3.1% in 2005 (3.4% in 2004). Civil engineering industry's activity has grown 2% (4.7% in 2004). That slow down is due to business and cycle conditions, such as bad weather conditions early 2005, raw material cost increase or lack of big infrastructure projects. Local government have supported public works, and by doing so, helped about 45% of the industry sales figure. The building industry ended up growing about 3.5%. We should mention the new constructions industry has sharply increased 10.2% (9.2% in 2004) by compensating the moderate renovation activity and the non-residential decrease. According to professional unions, 2006 should bring stability to the building industry activity with a 3.1% growth. As far as the civil engineering industry is concerned, activity should start up again thanks to big projects,new contracts and steady local government and private investments. The building industry as a whole should increase about 3.1%, thanks to real estate (6.3% for the new constructions industry and 1.8% for the renovation industry).


Source: www.betons-lemagazine.fr