The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has reported that concrete volumes hit a 62-year low in the second quarter of 2025, fuelling fears of plummeting business confidence, stalling investment and further driving down construction demand, writes Peter Brown.
Data based on actual sales volumes across Great Britain in the last quarter, also shows asphalt volumes over the last four quarters are the lowest in a decade.
Ready-mixed concrete volumes dropped by 11.5% to just 2.7 million cubic metres in 2025 Q2. The last time Britain’s annual concrete volume was this low was 1963.
Across Scotland’s central belt concrete providers have reported a downturn after a prolonged period of higher demand. Specific infrastructure projects on the west coast and Aberdeenshire currently kept suppliers busy, and there are future projects predicted in the next two-to-three years.
Economic affairs director at MPA Aurelie Delannoy said: “This quarter’s data offers a stark reminder that market conditions remain incredibly challenging for the mineral products sector. A fourth consecutive year of declining sales is now a serious risk, including to jobs.
“What we are seeing is not just the challenge of a specific industry market; it is a broader signal of a UK construction sector and national economy stuck in first gear, hampered by weak confidence, patchy project delivery and a chronic lack of tangible demand.
“Despite the Government’s positive long-term announcements, businesses are still waiting for any concrete signs that the UK is ready to invest and to build again.”
