MPA reports rise in UK aggregate sales

Sales volumes of aggregates and ready mixed concrete were 4% higher and asphalt 10% higher in the second quarter of 2015 than the same quarter of 2014.

For the half year to June, sales were also positive in comparison with 2014, with aggregates and concrete 7% higher and asphalt sales 10% higher.

There are nonetheless indications that construction markets may have slowed down temporarily.

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) says that data on sales volumes of aggregates, asphalt and concrete in the UK in second quarter show significant declines in all product areas. These materials represent the largest element of the construction supply chain and the results are based on recorded sales volumes.

Following the marked improvement in UK mineral products sales from mid-2013, the latest Mineral Products Association (MPA) figures indicate further sales rises in the first half of 2014.

Compared to Q2 2013, crushed rock was the fastest growing market (+9% in Q2 2014), whilst both asphalt and sand & gravel were 4% higher. Ready mixed concrete sales fell 3.2% over the period, but the decline should be viewed in the context of the very high volumes seen last year and the underlying market trends remain pos

The Mineral Products Association has published its fourth Annual Mineral Planning Survey (AMPS4) which covers the period to the end of 2014. It is based upon data for the whole of Great Britain provided in confidence by MPA members. Although the demand for UK aggregates continues to recover, this latest report brings into sharper focus the problems of declining reserves that were raised in previous surveys. Unless action is taken on updating and extending the coverage of mineral plans and speeding up the pl