France: aggregates sector down 5.6% in May 2014

France's national union of quarry industries and construction materials (Unicem) reports an activity decline of 3.4% in May 2014, confirming the downward trend witnessed in April. Ready-mix concrete production was stable at 0.2% in May but down 2.3% compared with May 2013. The aggregates sector was down 5.6% in May 2014 compared to May 2013. There was a 3.4% increase in public works contracts carried out between April 2013 and April 2014. Housing starts have declined since the beginning of 2014, with

June 23, 2014 Read time: 1 min

France's national union of quarry industries and construction materials (1850 Unicem) reports an activity decline of 3.4% in May 2014, confirming the downward trend witnessed in April.

Ready-mix concrete production was stable at 0.2% in May but down 2.3% compared with May 2013.

The aggregates sector was down 5.6% in May 2014 compared to May 2013. There was a 3.4% increase in public works contracts carried out between April 2013 and April 2014. Housing starts have declined since the beginning of 2014, with a 20% drop in residential builds over the last three months.

According to Unicem, the economy is suffering from market distrust, lack of visibility in public funding, the relatively illegible housing policy and the reluctance of players to carry out investments.