In July construction activity in Germany generally remained stable at the high level of the preceding months. According to the monthly survey of member companies conducted by the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) business in the residential and commercial building sector was characterised by continuing high levels of orders in hand of approximately three months. In the public build-ing sector sufficient orders in hand are reported. On account of the brisk construction activity, utilisation of equipment in the structural engineering sector increased by some five percentage points to 70%. According to the ZBD survey, streamlining and expansion investments are increasing even though replacement investments further predominate.
Over the coming months, companies expect orders to continue to be satisfactory. No significant changes to prices are expected.