Construction (east):
Increase in equipment utilisation

The unsatisfactory business situation of the eastern German contractors remained unchanged but was still considerably less negative than in the west. The business expectations, however, showed increased pessimism, particularly for firms in building construction. Construction output increased somewhat, and equipment utilisation went up to 72% (previous-year value: 66%). At 2.2 months, order reserves were greater than twelve months ago. For the coming months, the eastern German contractors expect stable construction prices, but they are expected to weaken somewhat in the west. The survey responses also indicated that staff reductions will gradually come to a standstill in eastern Germany but will continue in the west.