Portugal public works tenders drop 29% to €6.166 billion

The volume of public works tenders promoted in Portugal through September decreased by 29% year-on-year, totaling €6.166 billion, according to the latest Public Works Barometer from the National Association of Civil Construction and Public Works Industrials (AICCOPN).

The number of public tenders fell by 30% to 4,316 procedures, compared to 6,196 during the same period last year. Additionally, the value awarded in public works contracts resulting from tenders dropped by 52% to €2.591 billion. AICCOPN noted that this decline was heavily influenced by the previous year's awarding of the first phase of the Porto–Oiã High-Speed Line concession, valued at approximately €1.7 billion.

In contrast, contracting through direct adjustment or prior consultation saw a 32% increase, reaching €713 million. Overall, construction contracts registered in the Portal Base totaled €3.581 billion for the first nine months of the year, a 43% decrease compared to the previous year. AICCOPN stated that while the high-speed rail contract significantly impacted the figures, the overall reduction represents a worsening trend.