Stagnation characterises the construction industry
The economic figures for the Swiss construction industry in 2024 show a mixed picture. Despite stable sales and positive developments in civil engineering, declining incoming orders and a falling backlog of work are weighing on the industry.
From January to September 2024, the construction industry generated nominal sales of CHF 17.5 billion, an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to the previous year. Adjusted for inflation, however, there was a decline of 0.5 per cent. While civil engineering increased by 2.6 per cent in real terms, building construction recorded a decline of 3.4 per cent.
Declining incoming orders
Incoming orders fell by 2.5 per cent in real terms to CHF 17.3 billion. In building construction in particular, rising interest rates, higher construction costs and a shortage of public funds led to a noticeable decline. Only civil engineering was able to achieve an increase in orders in both the public and private sectors.
Falling order backlog
The order backlog in the main construction sector shrank by 3.7 per cent to CHF 14.9 billion by the end of September 2024. This corresponds to an order backlog of around 7.7 months. The entire industry is facing a gloomy outlook: While civil engineering is expected to remain stable, residential construction is not expected to grow again until the third quarter of 2025.
Noticeable decline in employment
The uncertainties are having an impact on employment. The number of full-time positions in the sector fell by 4.0 per cent to 89,000 employees. Despite the Swiss National Bank’s key interest rate cut from 1.75 to 1.0 per cent in 2024, the effect will be delayed.
Construction activity in Switzerland is stable, but characterised by stagnation and challenges. Developments in residential construction in particular will be decisive in providing the urgently needed impetus for renewed growth.
