Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The third quarter (Q3) figures from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) reveal continued weakness in aggregates, concrete and asphalt sales.
The Association claims the survey, using actual sales volume data from its members, is a warning that the Government needs to put business first in the Autumn Budget, to restore confidence, encourage investment and support British jobs through the urgent delivery of infrastructure and housing in line with its manifesto pledges.
Ready-mixed concrete sales fell by a further 0.8% in Q3 compared with Q2 and were 12% lower than a year earlier, extending a prolonged period of decline, with sales having fallen in seven of the past eight years. Aggregates sales were broadly flat while asphalt volumes rose slightly (+2.5%) though sales this year remain below 2024 levels. Although mortar sales improved slightly (+1.0% this quarter) this should be set against a 30% drop over two years in 2023-4.
MPA warns that the sector, which employs more than 80,000 people, remains under severe strain after four consecutive years of declining sales. with businesses shifting focus to cost control and efficiency, with sites being halted, capacity being reduced, and skilled workers losing their jobs. These pressures threaten the longer-term supply resilience of essential materials, potentially undermining future housing and infrastructure delivery.
MPA director of economic affairs, Aurelie Delannoy, said: “The latest data show that the construction downturn remains entrenched. The mineral products sector is having to operate at crisis levels, with no prospect of recovery in the near term. Construction materials are among the earliest indicators of real activity, and these figures send a clear warning to Government ahead of the Autumn Budget: the UK needs decisive measures to unlock project delivery, rebuild confidence and get growth moving.”
