Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Construction output is forecast to fall by almost 3% this year, according to the latest forecasts published today (April 23) by the Construction Products Association.
The association’s latest forecast finds that construction output is likely to remain flat in 2013 before private sector work strengthens and boosts a return to growth in 2014.
Michael Ankers, CPA chief executive said: “It seems inevitable that construction output fell in the first three months of this year and this will have had a significant impact on the rate of GDP growth at this time.
“With new orders for construction falling significantly at the end of last year, 2012 is going to be a difficult year for the construction industry with output forecast to fall by almost 3%. The construction industry accounts for nearly 9% of GDP and therefore is going to be a major constraint on growth in the wider economy over the year ahead.
“Public sector spending cuts are now beginning to bite and with the exception of a steady recovery in the private housing market, where starts are forecast to increase by 5% this year and 11% next, the private sector is pretty subdued. What is particularly disappointing is the weakness of the private commercial market where output is expected to decline both this year and in 2013. Office development is slowing down and private finance for social infrastructure is unlikely to make a rapid comeback.
“One bright spot in the forecasts is investment in infrastructure, particularly rail and energy where growth is expected to increase in each year from now until 2016.
“The construction industry faces a difficult 18 months with a significant recovery not now expected until the second half of 2013.”
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