Concrete demand drops to a 75-year low

Demand for concrete and other mineral products in the UK is falling for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. New data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) show that demand for key construction materials remains at an alarmingly low level, putting the UK supply chain at risk. But what has caused this situation, and how could it affect the construction industry in the future?

The main source: Concrete demand hits 75-year low

The reasons for that situation?

Although sales of some products stabilised at a low base level in the fourth quarter of 2025, the overall picture has not changed. Throughout 2025 as a whole, demand for key materials, including concrete (-9.9%), aggregates (-1.6%) and asphalt (-1.1%), fell for the fourth year in a row, leaving sales volumes at historically low levels. Annual growth in mortar sales of 5.2% masked a sharp loss of momentum in the second half of the year. The 9.9% fall in concrete demand last year means that production has not been this low since the early 1950s.

Director of Economic Affairs Aurélie Delannoy said: “The prolonged decline in demand for mineral products showed no signs of easing towards the end of 2025. This 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 a sustained fall in demand indicates that the UK is failing to meet its commitments to build more homes or accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure.”

How will the drop in concrete demand influence the UK building industry in the future?

The decline in concrete procurement, as well as in construction materials overall, will have negative consequences for the UK construction industry.

Aurélie Delannoy said: “The government also risks worsening the situation in the near term. Slow decision-making on previously announced emergency measures to support housebuilding in London, including changes to affordable housing thresholds and temporary relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy, risks further delaying activity as construction-ready projects are paused pending support. This also creates an incentive to revisit existing planning applications to align with relaxed affordable housing criteria, leading to additional delays.” Given the current market conditions, the MPA does not expect market growth in 2026, as investor confidence remains low, the economy is sluggish, and further increases in business costs lie ahead, including higher business rates and an increase in fuel duty in September.

Fencyx, as one of the leaders in the UK building industry, is closely monitoring this situation. We hope that the government will take all necessary actions and improve the situation.