Ready-mix concrete sales fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025, by 10% year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA). Regionally, London ‘bore the brunt,’ with a record 27% sales drop. The MPA attributed the downturn to continued low levels of residential construction activity, which historically accounted for 30% of national ready-mix concrete consumption. It attributed this to local opposition to new housing and delays to high-rise development due to Building Safety Regulator backlogs, especially in London. Infrastructure activity also ‘tapered off’ during the year, failing to offset the decline. The association said that jobs and future supply capacity are ‘under threat.’

MPA Director of Economic Affairs Aurelie Delannoy said "The prolonged downturn reflects the fragile state of both the UK construction sector and the wider economy, as well as persistently weak investment confidence. These materials are used at the very start of construction projects, and sustained weakness in demand shows Britain is not meeting its commitments to build more homes or speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure."

Executive Chair Chris Leese said "Despite the scale of the political ambition, the 2025 autumn budget fell short on growth and, without swift, decisive action to restore confidence and unlock investment, the UK risks undermining its ability to deliver the housing and infrastructure it needs. When material demand remains this weak for this long, it points to serious delivery failures and growing risks to the UK's domestic supply capacity."