There was an increase in demand for mineral products in the first three months of 2017 according to the latest figures from the Mineral Products Association (MPA).
Mineral products include key construction materials such as aggregates and ready-mixed concrete (RMC). Sales of aggregates increased by 2.1% and RMC by 0.7% respectively in Q1 of 2017 in comparison to the previous quarter.
There were encouraging signs for the housebuilding industry as mortar sales continued to perform strongly, rising by 6.6% – indicating that the housing sector is a key driver of growth in the construction industry.
The MPA said sales volumes for the year to March saw healthy growth across all major MPA construction minerals, with asphalt rising 5.2% in comparsion to the previous year, aggregates volumes increased by 5% and RMC by 4.3%. Mortar sales was best performer, increasing by 6.9%.
Aurelie Delannoy, Chief Economist at MPA, commented: “We welcome the positive results in our markets in the first quarter of the year as a clear indication that construction activity still has some impetus. Whilst mineral products producers remain relatively optimistic, their prospects for growth in the coming months may be dampened by the anticipated slowdown in both the general economy and in private construction activity this year.”
“Post-election, Government’s policy development and implementation, as well as swift and constructive progress in the Brexit negotiations, will be central to the future health of the UK economy, the construction sector and ultimately, the mineral products sector.”
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