THE construction sector’s demand for heavyside materials increased in the final months of 2024, according to new data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA).
From a ‘very low base’, the organisation revealed sales volumes of ready-mixed concrete in Great Britain rose by 5.7% in Q4, 2024 compared to the previous quarter, while construction aggregates saw a modest increase of 0.6%, with mortar volumes climbing by 2.4% in the same period.
The latest figures are described as revealing ‘tangible evidence’ of an early recovery in construction markets. The survey tracks the tonnages sold for aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and mortar – materials essential for the foundations and fabric of new structures.
MPA economists say the results are grounds for cautious optimism in the mineral products sector, as well as the wider construction industry, as demand begins to improve from historically low levels.
For mortar, which is predominantly used in housebuilding, sales volumes have now risen for three consecutive quarters, reaching their highest level since Q3,2023. MPA said there are signs that a more sustained recovery in housing construction can be expected this year.
Despite these encouraging signals, the MPA data also underscores the severity of the slowdown over the past two years and the major challenges facing the £22 billion mineral products industry. For example, annual mortar sales fell by 15% in 2024, dropping below two million tonnes – some 28% lower than the 2022 peak of 2.7 million tonnes.
Ready-mixed concrete faced a 10.8% annual decline in 2024, reaching its lowest level in over 60 years. Primary aggregates sales declined by 2.6%, with sand and gravel particularly impacted due to weak demand from the ready-mixed concrete market. In contrast, crushed rock held up better, supported by demand from major infrastructure projects, particularly HS2. Meanwhile, asphalt sales fell by 2.7%, affected by delays and cancellations of road schemes and ongoing constraints on local authority budgets for road maintenance.
Aurelie Delannoy, director of economic affairs at MPA, said, “The industry has weathered steep losses in demand over the past three years, despite successive governments setting ambitious targets for housing, infrastructure, and public buildings such as schools and hospitals. In 2024, every market monitored recorded sales volumes weaker than even the Covid-impacted year of 2020. That is why the recent signs of recovery in the second half of 2024 are particularly welcome.”
MPA forecasts ‘modest’ growth in mineral product sales in 2025, driven by improving economic conditions and a gradual recovery in the housing market. Major infrastructure projects are also expected to bolster demand for aggregates and ready-mixed concrete.
