Official data published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Gross Domestic Product for the first quarter of the current year shows that, for the first time in more than two years, the construction sector has begun to exert a negative impact on GDP dynamics. Specifically, during the reference period, construction activity reduced GDP by 0.6%, despite generally accounting for around 4% of GDP formation. This outcome reflects a significant 12% decline in construction volume in Q1. Real estate transactions also weighed negatively on GDP, contributing to a 0.7% decrease, while holding a 9% share in GDP formation.

Returning to construction, it is useful to examine the sector’s weight and contribution to GDP over recent years. In 2025, construction volume registered an impressive 32.2% increase. As a result, the sector accounted for 7.2% of GDP formation, with a 0.5% positive contribution to GDP growth. In 2024, construction volume grew by 4.8%, contributing 0.2% to GDP growth and maintaining a 7.1% share in GDP formation. In fact, 2024 and 2025 were the only years in the recent period when construction volumes saw notable increases — and this was directly reflected in GDP performance.

For clarity, let’s also look at 2023 and 2022. In 2023, construction volume decreased by 2.5%, leading to a 1% drop in GDP, although the sector still held a substantial 6.2% share in GDP formation. In 2022, construction volume fell by 13.9%, reducing GDP by 0.8%, while the sector’s share in GDP stood at 7.4%.

If the trend observed in the first quarter continues throughout the year, a return to the situation of 2022 is entirely possible — both in terms of construction volume and its impact on GDP. It is plausible that the situation may improve slightly in the coming months, but realistically, no major turnaround should be expected. Significant change — the kind that not only stabilizes the construction market but actually drives its development — requires concrete action. I have repeatedly outlined the necessary measures: from unblocking the real estate market to removing constraints that hinder construction sector growth. There is no need to list them again. What matters is acknowledging that without decisive action today, tomorrow may already be too late.

Viorel Godea, General Director, Lagmar