Growth in mineral product sales in 2013 welcome although markets remain 30% below pre-recession levels
MPA results for 2013 indicate a good improvement in sales volumes of aggregates, asphalt and ready-mixed concrete in the final quarter and for the year as a whole.
For 2013 sales volumes of aggregates increased by 6% with concrete sales up by 11% and asphalt 4% higher than in 2012. Following a poor first quarter industry volumes started picking up in April and fourth quarter sales remained positive.
The figures reflect the sharp improvement in housing starts following the first quarter, with housing related material sales 25% higher in the final nine months of 2013 than the same period of 2012. The MPA figures indicate that we are beginning to see some improvement in construction markets other than housing and that such signs of improvement are evident throughout GB although unevenly.
However, as with the housing and construction statistics, the MPA results need to be considered in context. Compared with pre-recession activity levels the aggregates, asphalt and concrete markets remain some 30% down.
MPA Director Public Economic Affairs Jerry McLaughlin commented “the improving trends over the past nine months are very welcome but of course come from a very low base. 2012 was very negative for our industry and construction and the 2013 volumes broadly get us back to 2011. We need to see significantly more growth in business throughout GB before we can talk about recovery with greater confidence. As such it is vital that Government continues to focus on sustained economic growth, delivery of outstanding infrastructure projects, more housing and measures designed to encourage confidence to invest.”
