UK: Ready-mix concrete sales fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025, by 10% year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA). Regionally, London ‘bore the brunt,’ with a record 27% sales drop. The MPA attributed the downturn to continued low levels of residential construction activity, which historically accounted for 30% of national ready-mix concrete consumption. It attributed this to local opposition to new housing and delays to high-rise development due to Building Safety Regulator backlogs, especially in London. Infrastructure activity also ‘tapered off’ during the year, failing to offset the decline. The association said that jobs and future supply capacity are ‘under threat.’

MPA Director of Economic Affairs Aurelie Delannoy said "The prolonged downturn reflects the fragile state of both the UK construction sector and the wider economy, as well as persistently weak investment confidence. These materials are used at the very start of construction projects, and sustained weakness in demand shows Britain is not meeting its commitments to build more homes or speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure."

Executive Chair Chris Leese said "Despite the scale of the political ambition, the 2025 autumn budget fell short on growth and, without swift, decisive action to restore confidence and unlock investment, the UK risks undermining its ability to deliver the housing and infrastructure it needs. When material demand remains this weak for this long, it points to serious delivery failures and growing risks to the UK's domestic supply capacity."

South Korea: The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) imposed ‘corrective measures’ and US$1.55m in fines on Dongyang Ready-Mixed Concrete, Goryeo Ready-Mixed Concrete, Gwanghyeon Ready-Mixed Concrete, Jeon-guk Industry, Jungwon Industry, KW and Seoheung Industry. The highest individual fine for a company was US$297,000. ChosunBiz News has reported that the producers had agreed to collectively raise prices between May 2021 and September 2023. The KFTC found that they allocated sales volumes and shares customer operations among themselves and threatened to halt operations if customers declined to buy at the colluded price.

US: Lyten has launched S Cure, an admixture containing nanomaterials, including its greenhouse gas-derived Lyten 3D Graphene. The developer says that S Cure accelerates cement hydration in the early phase and stabilises concrete’s microstructure during curing, with increased compressive strength after one and seven days and increased durability after 28 days. 3Druck News has reported that the producer has conducted pilot projects with concrete producers in the US, the Middle East and Europe.

CEO Dan Cook said "We use materials science to develop products that accelerate economic growth by delivering higher performance without compromising cost or environmental impact."

Finland: CO₂ mineralisation and sequestration specialist Carbonaide has raised €3.7m through a combination of equity and supporting financial instruments, in an investment round led by existing owners Vantaan Energia, Redstone and Ihantola Invest. The company will use the funds to expand customer acquisition, develop its Carbonaide Service Platform and accelerate research and development of its Carbonaide CO₂-curing system beyond precast concrete production.

CEO Tapio Vehmas said "We are well-positioned to scale our technology, expand our CO₂ partner network, and continue turning concrete plants into carbon sinks. There is clear demand in the construction industry for solutions that reduce emissions, showing that the industry is turning towards a low-carbon built environment."