The results of the most recent survey by the Association of Civil Construction and Public Works Industry (AICCOPN) reveal that, in the first quarter of 2025, 63% of companies in the construction sector felt a stabilization in global activity. “This figure reflects a slight increase compared to the 60% recorded in the last quarter of 2024,” they explain in a statement sent to newsrooms.

Around 30% of construction companies expressed a more positive outlook, indicating growth in activity, a proportion very close to the 29% seen in the previous quarter, according to a report by idealista.

Even so, the construction sector “continues to face significant structural obstacles”, points out AICCOPN. The shortage of specialised labour continues to be highlighted as the main constraint by 86% of companies in the private works segment and by 75% of public works companies. “This is a persistent problem that affects the entire sector, compromising companies’ ability to respond and making it difficult to carry out their normal activities,” says the association led by Manuel Reis Campos.

Another “pressure factor” in construction in Portugal is the price of raw materials, having been identified as an obstacle by 39% of companies in the private works segment. “Abnormally low prices also continue to significantly affect the sector, being cited by 32% of companies working in public works,” he adds.