South Korea: The government has established a committee to decide whether to raise the number of new ready-mix concrete mixer trucks licences in 2025 – 2026. The Maeil Business Newspaper has reported that the rate of licensing has remained level annually since 2009. In the 15-year period up to 2024, total operational ready-mix concrete plants rose by 22% from 893 to 1088. Transport costs in Seoul more than doubled from US$23.70/shipment to US$51.81/shipment – compared to just a 62% rise in ready-mix concrete prices, from US$40.20/m3 to US$65.38/m3. The government noted that 85% of mixer truck drivers are aged 50 or older.

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