UK construction product manufacturers facing worsening future
The UK’s Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey, which was launched Monday, shows that the continuing economic uncertainty, coupled with rising prices and weakening domestic demand are adding to the concerns for many construction product manufacturers as the long-awaited public sector cuts begin to impact heavily on the industry.
Despite a relatively positive 2Q, during which export volumes rose, the latest quarter has shown a marked deterioration in trading conditions. Heavy side manufacturers are already seeing a falling off of sales activity and although light side firms continue to show some positive activity, their expectations for the coming year is also falling sales.
Commenting on the figures, Construction Products Association senior economist, Kelly Forrest said: ‘Although industry has been well aware of the cuts to public spending since the CSR last October, concerns for the industry have been heightened by uncertainty regarding UK and global economic activity. Furthermore, the state of the industry continues to be badly affected by rising costs with 71% of light side firms and 89% of heavy side firms reporting that costs rose once again in 3Q.
‘While industry is well aware of the need by government to address its finances, it is critical that government does its utmost to sustain economic growth by investing in areas of long term benefit to the UK, such as house building and infrastructure by bringing forward finance allocated for future years and attracting private finance at a time when public finances are constrained.’
Published under Cement News
