The construction sector in Latvia, just like the EU and global construction industry, is undergoing significant changes. There are new requirements relating to environmental protection, energy efficiency, heritage preservation, and adaptation to modern society. In 2022, the construction sector represented 5 % of GDP.

In 2022, a large part of Latvian construction companies focused their export activities to Sweden (48 %), Germany (14 %), and Lithuania (7 %).

Manufacturing of building materials

Most companies producing building materials use local natural resources, mostly mineral materials such as dolomite, limestone and clay. The main product groups are inert materials, concrete, reinforced concrete, cement, heat-insulation materials, lime and dolomite materials, gypsum products, ceramic materials, silicate and anticorrosion materials, glass-fibre products, dry mixtures, aerated concrete, construction chemicals, and metal fittings. In 2022, the total turnover of non-metal mineral production was EUR 772 million. The largest number of building material producers are engaged in cutting, shaping and finishing of stone (160) and in manufacturing concrete, cement, and gypsum products (151) and, while 59 companies were manufacturing glass products and 71 manufactured various porcelain and ceramic products.

 

Turnover of Non-metal Mineral Production

In 2022, there were around 459 companies in Latvia producing non-metallic mineral construction materials and employing 5 709 people.

Foreign trade of building materials

The main construction-material export groups are ceramic building materials, concrete products, cement and gypsum products, and glass products.

Foreign Trade of Building Materials

The largest export markets for construction materials are the United Kingdom (13 %), Sweden (10 %), Lithuania (10 %), and Estonia (9 %).

Latvian companies in industry
Database of Latvian exporters

Additional information

Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia: www.csb.gov.lv
Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia: www.em.gov.lv
Latvian Builders Association: http://latvijas-buvnieku-asociacija.lv
Latvian Association of Building Material Producers: www.bra.lv
Association of Latvian Window and Door Manufacturers: www.lldra.lv