Construction activity recorded an increase 6.8% compared to previous yearaccording to the Integrated Index of Construction Activity (ISAC). With this result, the sector chain is Eight consecutive months of increaseafter a significant contraction recorded in 2024 due to the suspension of public works and a decline in overall investment.
The cumulative total for the first nine months of the year is 7.8% increase Comparison with the same period last year. Indicators move forward in seasonally adjusted monthly comparisons 0.9% vs. August.
The recovery began in early 2025 and was initially driven by increased demand related to private construction and rebuilding, renovation, and expansion in various real estate segments.
The variation in the apparent consumption of inputs in September shows large differences between the products. The number of registrations for some items has increased significantly. of granite and calcareous mosaicFor example, it increased by 42.9% year over year. of ceramic sanitary ware In addition, the fluctuation range showed a high increase of 42%. he asphalt Concrete recorded a growth of 27.1%, while manufactured concrete increased by 25.1%. This is a figure typically associated with medium-sized and large-scale construction.
Another set of inputs is: Faucets, seamless steel pipes, architectural plate glassshowed an increase of 22.3%. he round iron and steel Construction sales were 12.7% higher than the previous September level. Among materials commonly used for partitions and finishes, gypsum board increased by 6.2% and Portland cement by 0.6%.
On the contrary, declines were recorded in some inputs related to traditional housing construction. of ceramic floors and coverings down 7.6%, etc. down 4.8%, hollow brick decreased by 4.3%, lime It fell 4.1%. of construction paint A slight decline of 0.8% was recorded.
The contrast between increased and decreased inputs shows that the revitalization of this sector is particularly concentrated. Medium-sized private projectwhile industrial and commercial development and infrastructure expansion are expected, the construction of new housing still shows limited dynamism.
The number of registered employees in the construction industry is also showing signs of recovery, although slower than activity. The number of registered workers in the private sector increased in August 3.3% compared to previous year. However, the cumulative decline for the first eight months of this year continues. 0.6% Comparison with the same period last year. This difference in activity recovery and employment is common in labor-intensive sectors, as companies typically delay new start-ups until they see stable levels of contract work.
Meanwhile, the areas where private construction was allowed, serving as a harbinger of future activities, were reached in August 1,451,249 square meterswhich represents a 1.5% increase over the previous year. Cumulatively from January to August, approved surfaces were 7.4% increase compared to the same period last year. These data suggest that the pace of execution is likely to be sustained in the coming months, although project completion will depend on financing conditions and trends in real estate demand.
Qualitative research accompanying the report reveals the views of companies in the sector regarding the October-December period. Among companies primarily engaged in private construction, 67% expect the level of activity to remain the same, 23.3% expect it to decrease, and 9.7% expect it to increase. Among companies primarily engaged in public works projects, 64.5% expect it to remain stable, 22.2% expect it to decline, and 13.3% to improve.
Those predicting a decline mainly point out the following points: Slowdown in economic activity and high construction costs. Among those who expect an increase in Possibility of restarting public works Increased cost predictability.
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