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 2020, the construction sector represented 7 % of GDP.
In 2020, a large part of Latvian construction companies focused their export activities to Sweden (44 %), Lithuania (16 %) and Germany (15 %).
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 2020, the total turnover of non-metal mineral production was EUR 589 million. The largest number of building material producers are engaged in cutting, shaping and finishing of stone (154) and in manufacturing concrete, cement, and gypsum products (149) and, while 56 companies were manufacturing glass products and 59 manufactured various porcelain and ceramic products.