UK: Domestic ready-mix concrete sales dropped by 12% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) has reported. The figure represents a 20-year drop of 50% since the first quarter of the 2006 financial year, and is the lowest level in any quarter since 1963. Sales of mortar and sand are also at a ‘historical low.’ Meanwhile, production of cement is reportedly at its lowest on record, amid high electricity prices, leading to increased imports.
The independent Office of Budget Responsibility estimated in March 2025 that the UK would add 1.3m new homes by 2030. Authorities issued 201,000 energy performance certificates for new homes in the 12 months up to the end of July 2025, down by 8% year-on-year. The government plans to introduce mandatory homebuilding targets for local authorities.
MPA Director of Economic Affairs Aurelie Delannoy said "Activity on the ground remains subdued, a result of housing demand held back by affordability pressures and mounting supply-side challenges, from rising costs and regulatory uncertainty to delivery backlogs linked to the Building Safety Regulations.” Delannoy noted a ‘worsening macroeconomic outlook,’ with a ‘chronic lack of new infrastructure projects,’ including scrapped road projects and a planned ‘reset’ to the HS2 rail project.
