Building materials availability returning to pre-pandemic levels

Coventry-based national trade body, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), has welcomed reports that the availability of building materials across the UK is on the return to pre-Covid levels.

Signs of a return to pre-pandemic supply are outlined in the latest report from the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Group, which was set up at the height of the pandemic to monitor supply issues.

The latest Construction Product Availability Statement notes that while construction activity has seen a slight decline, overall, the industry is performing better than predicted six months ago.

Early indications also show that prices for many products are stabilising due to lower demand.

Variations have been reported in different sectors, with Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) work in support of decarbonisation and energy improvements in public and private sector housing driving sales of insulation products.

BMF CEO, John Newcomb is co-chair of the CLC’s Product Availability Group, He said: “Volatility persists in the market, but early indications suggest prices for many products are stabilising and in isolated cases are even declining from recent highs.

“Manufacturers of insulation products are seeing volumes ahead of expectations but are managing supply.

“Brick stocks have increased due to increased production and a slowdown in the housing market, with around eight weeks of bricks in stock.

“We’re expecting to see new plants in the UK coming on stream over the next six to 12 months, which will help reduce the UK’s reliance on expensive imports to top up stocks.”

The Construction Product Availability Statement can be viewed at https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/news/construction-product-availability-18-may-2023/