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Strong Q3 rise for aggregates sales

4 Nov 14 There was a strong rise in sales of aggregate materials in the third quarter of 2014, indicating continuing growth in construction activity.

Members of the Mineral Products Association, who represent the bulk of the market in Great Britain, report that their sales of crushed rock were up 14% in Q3 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. Sand & gravel sales were up 8%, asphalt by 6% and ready-mixed concrete (RMC) by 5%.

Compared to the second quarter of 2013, third quarter sales volumes rose by 2.5 to 3.5% for asphalt, RMC and crushed rock and by 8.5% for sand & gravel.

Crushed rock sales have been particularly strong, up 13% in the first three quarters of the year. Asphalt and sand & gravel grew by 8-9% and RMC showed a more modest growth of 2% (having grown strongly in 2013).

While there have been improvements in most regions over the past 18 months, it is apparent that general construction growth is still being driven by London and parts of the southeast, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) said.  Concrete volumes across Great Britain remain 30% below immediate pre-recession levels in 2007, in spite of 2013 and 2014 improvements, but sales in London are now 30% higher than 2007 levels.

The asphalt and crushed rock growth points to increased road construction and maintenance activity, reflecting some recovery in government spending in this area. 

MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson said: “Our markets have continued to improve since the second quarter of 2013 and our latest results suggest that construction activity may be stronger than previous expectations. However, it is apparent that non-housing construction remains relatively sluggish and construction improvements remain variable and inconsistent outside London. In spite of a number of economic concerns and political uncertainties, the outlook for the construction and mineral products industries is the most positive for six years. For this outlook to be realised, it is essential that the next government sustains the existing commitment to long term infrastructure investment and takes a positive strategic approach to optimising the supply of UK mineral products.”

MPA members represent approximately 80% of the England, Scotland and Wales market for crushed rock aggregates, sand & gravel aggregates and asphalt, and approximately 60% of the ready-mixed concrete market.

MPA sales:  % change over same period of previous year

2013 Q1

2013 Q2

2013 Q3

2013 Q4

2013 Year

2014 Q1

2014 Q2

2014 Q3

Crushed Rock

-3%

15%

7%

10%

7%

18%

9%

14%

Sand & Gravel

-10%

11%

12%

18%

8%

15%

4%

8%

Asphalt

-18%

9%

11%

14%

4%

17%

4%

6%

Ready mixed  concrete

-2%

23%

12%

12%

11%

4%

-3%

5%

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MPU
MPU

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