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."

Canada: Local authorities have granted initial approval to Clark Brothers Contracting for the construction of a new ready-mix concrete plant in Arthur, Ontario. Elora Fergus Today News has reported that the project now requires certification from the Ready-Mix Concrete Association of Ontario and environmental clearance from the government.

US: MAG Capital Partners subsidiary Superior Concrete Products has acquired precast concrete wall forming systems producer Advanced Forming Technologies (AFTEC).

MAG Capital Partners Principal Dax Mitchell said "The acquisition of AFTEC expands Superior Concrete Products' offerings and its geographic reach to meet increasing demand from data centre, infrastructure and new construction developments.”

US: Marquette University’s McShane Chair Yong Bai has received a US$1m grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for research into construction and engineering using concrete. The grant will cover projects including one investigating 3D concrete printing for affordable homebuilding, and another investigating retrofitting residential buildings against natural disasters. The 3D printing project will seek to standardise different local 3D-printed concrete mixes based on available materials.

Bai said "There is an increasing challenge in the construction, maintenance and replacement of US civil infrastructure, especially here in Wisconsin, where much of the infrastructure requires capacity or maintenance upgrades or is reaching the end of its expected lifespan. In addition, there is a growing crisis in the construction and engineering industries, which is the shortage of a skilled workforce. The current situation calls for an innovative approach that integrates research with teaching, learning and training in infrastructure construction and engineering."