Concrete volumes hit 62-year low, warns MPA

Concrete sales in Britain have fallen to their lowest level in more than six decades, according to new data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

Ready-mixed concrete volumes dropped by 11.5% in Q2 2025, with quarterly sales falling to 2.7 million m³ — the lowest on record since 1963. Total sales over the past 12 months stood at 11.9 million m³, highlighting sustained weakness across the industry.

The figures, based on actual sales across Great Britain, also show that asphalt volumes over the last four quarters are at their lowest in ten years, while sales of aggregates and mortar also declined in the second quarter of 2025.

The MPA warns that the data reflects a deeper crisis in confidence across the construction and infrastructure sectors, driven by high input costs, policy uncertainty, and stalled project delivery.

“The market conditions remain incredibly challenging,” said Aurélie Delannoy, director of economic affairs at the MPA. “This isn’t just about one product category — it signals a national construction sector stuck in first gear, held back by weak demand and delayed investment decisions.”

The association has called for urgent Government action to restore business confidence and unlock investment. Its proposed measures include:

• A commitment to avoid further business tax increases
• Accelerated infrastructure delivery and improved planning capacity
• Resolution of Gateway Two approval delays at the Building Safety Regulator
• Support for domestic material suppliers in public procurement
• Reintroduction of the super-deduction to encourage capital investment

MPA executive chair Chris Leese added: “Some of our members say these are the worst trading conditions they’ve ever faced — including the 2008 financial crisis. Without near-term change, many may be forced to mothball production or rationalise operations.”

The report links weak concrete sales to a sharp drop in infrastructure and housing activity, citing multiple cancelled road schemes, continued uncertainty around HS2, and delays to high-rise residential developments caused by regulatory bottlenecks at Gateway Two.

Mortar sales, a leading indicator of housebuilding activity, fell by 2.7% in Q2, ending four quarters of growth.

“The mineral products sector provides the foundations of the economy,” said Leese. “But right now, businesses are stuck waiting — not for ambition, but for action.”