NEW research has revealed that UK demand for essential construction materials fell further in the first quarter of 2026.
The stats are divulged in the latest survey by the Mineral Products Association (MPA).
Sales of mortar, which closely track housebuilding activity, fell by 2% compared to the previous quarter and were 5.4% lower than a year earlier. Primary aggregates and ready-mixed concrete sales, widely used across construction, also declined by 0.8% and 0.5% respectively. Asphalt sales were broadly flat over the quarter (-0.1%), supported by a short-term boost to road maintenance activity ahead of the financial year end.
The MPA said the data points to ‘persistently subdued demand’ and highlight growing pressure on the mineral products industry, as rising costs coincide with already falling demand.
Aurelie Delannoy, director of economic affairs at MPA, said, “The Q1 data largely predates the recent escalation in global risks and energy prices, but it shows that UK construction demand was still falling as costs were starting to rise. Since February, early indications from MPA members point to higher fuel and production costs, alongside emerging signs of project delays and pauses, particularly on some lower-margin housing schemes.
“This is not just an energy cost story. The industry is being squeezed from both sides at the worst possible time. After four years of downturn, such pressure increases the risk of a more prolonged decline, rather than the recovery many had expected – or at least hoped for – this year.”
Chris Leese, executive chair at the MPA, added, “There is no sign of recovery in the Q1 data, and this is likely to be further compounded by the economic fallout from events in the Middle East. Demand is still falling, and now costs are rising again. That is a difficult combination for any industry, and it raises real concerns about the outlook for construction this year.
“If this continues, we are looking at a fifth consecutive year of decline. That has consequences not just for our sector, but for the UK’s ability to deliver housing and essential infrastructure that supports energy security, transport and defence.”
Even before the events in the Middle East, MPA had asked government to act to increase confidence, encourage investment and stimulate growth to address what has become a ‘dire situation’.
