Market growth was at a steady 13% between 2015-2019, however AMA Research is predicting an almost complete reverse from the start of 2020
Market growth for the Bricks, Blocks and Precast Concrete sector was at a steady 13% between 2015-2019, however AMA Research is predicting an almost complete reverse from the start of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic ensues.
There is expected to be a return to growth through H2 of 2020, however, should the downturn in construction be deeper than currently forecast then demand levels for bricks, blocks and precast concrete products is likely to fall further resulting in too optimistic a view presented by the current forecast.
The value of brick imports increased by a rather large 38% in 2018 with Belgium and the Netherlands key source countries.
There was an increase throughout 2019, however, again the Covid-19 pandemic will have caused issues with the supply chain affected not just in the UK but the whole world.
Demand for concrete blocks is influenced by the health of the housebuilding sector with demand slowing in H2 2019 as completions levels dropped due to many extenuating circumstances, such as the turbulent Brexit negotiations followed by the dramatic storms across the nation that was able to close several sites causing work to grind to a halt.
Precast concrete and cast stone products account for largest share of the market with growth underpinned by move and investment from the larger housebuilders to more offsite and modular construction methods.
There is however a positive outcome as AMA Research is forecasting that although there is a short-term decline in 2020, it will be followed by overall growth of 18% to 2024 when the market is forecast to be around £2.3 billion.
