UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has recorded a 6% year-on-year fall in UK ready-mix concrete sales in the first quarter of 2025, down to their lowest quarterly level in 60 years. Sales of aggregates and mortars rose by 1% and 4% respectively, up for a fourth consecutive quarter.
Homebuilding is in ‘slow recovery,’ despite high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, infrastructure activity remains ‘uneven,’ with on-going major projects partly offsetting decreased roadbuilding. The MPA noted the additional threat of global trade disruptions, as the UK and US prepare to announce a trade deal expected to circumvent some of the 10% tariffs enacted by the US government against UK goods, including mineral products, in April 2025.
MPA executive chair Chris Leese said: "Without a clear commitment to supporting UK industry through competitive energy costs, better planning and a public procurement policy that prioritises domestically-produced mineral products like cement and concrete, the risk is that essential capacity will be lost."
