Poor
Second Quarter for Asphalt Sales
The
results of the QPA trends survey for the second quarter of 2004
indicated a small decline in aggregates sales and a small increase
in ready mixed concrete sales, compared with the second quarter
of 2004, but a significant 10% decline in asphalt sales.
These results
reflect the lack of progress in maintaining and improving the
local and national road network, following the completion of the
M6 Toll road north of Birmingham.
Although
there are a significant number of schemes in the pipeline, the
progress of the road programme has slowed down due to funding
constraints. The July results of the Government’s comprehensive
spending review and 10 Year Transport Plan Review confirmed that
Government policy is to maintain investment in our road and transport
networks, but funding on the ground is not matching these policy
claims. There is also a wide acknowledgement that the condition
of local road networks remains unsatisfactory, but the level of
funding to improve these conditions still remains inadequate.
The aggregates
and ready mixed concrete results indicate that general construction
activity is relatively flat, but with some indications that the
reduction in Commercial sector activity over the past two years
may have bottomed out.
Ends
QUARRY
PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TRENDS APRIL
- JUNE 2004
The figures
give sales trends by volume of material for a consistent sample
of Quarry Products Association members comprising the following
proportions of total industry output of construction materials.
| Crushed
Rock |
(approx
80% industry sample) |
| Sand
& Gravel |
(approx
80% industry sample) |
| Asphalt |
(approx
80% industry sample) |
| Ready-mixed
concrete |
(approx
90% industry sample) |
RESULTS
SURVEY PERIOD: APRIL - JUNE 2004
% change over
same period of previous year
| |
2002
QTR 3 |
2002
QTR 4 |
2002
YEAR |
2003
QTR 1 |
2003
QTR 2 |
2003
QTR 3 |
2003
QTR 4 |
2003
YEAR |
2004
QTR 1 |
2004
QTR 2 |
Crushed
Rock |
-4 |
-8 |
-3 |
-9 |
+3 |
+3 |
-3 |
-2 |
-1 |
-1 |
| Sand
& Gravel |
-5 |
-8 |
-4 |
-13 |
+2 |
-2 |
-1 |
-4 |
-3 |
-3 |
| Asphalt |
+4 |
-1 |
+5 |
+5 |
+4 |
-3 |
-6 |
NC |
-8 |
-10 |
| Ready
mixed Concrete |
-1 |
-6 |
-2 |
NC |
NC |
-2 |
-1 |
-1 |
NC |
+1 |
|
ENDS
Notes to editors
| 1. |
The Quarry
Products Association is the principal trade association representing
the UK aggregates industry. In England our members produce
over 90% of aggregates extracted - sand and gravel and crushed
rock as well as other non aggregate minerals such as silica
sand, agricultural and industrial lime including limestone,
chalk, clay and shale for cement. |
| 2. |
Market Shares of Primary & Recycled/Secondary Aggregates
| Comparison
with Primary Aggregates Supply million tonnes
pa. (GB) |
| Aggregates
Source |
1989 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003* |
%
Change |
| Primary |
300 |
222 |
214 |
205 |
-32% |
| Recycled/Secondary |
32 |
60 |
62 |
65 |
+103% |
| Total |
332 |
282 |
276 |
270 |
-19% |
Recycled/Secondary
Market share |
9.6% |
21.3% |
22.5% |
24.1% |
|
|
* QPA estimate for 2003.
The
supply of these recycled materials is mature and well established.
The results of ODPM research carried out in 2001, indicates
that the potential additional supply from these sources
is relatively restricted. The August 2002 ODPM consultation,
(Consultation Paper – Draft National and Regional
Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2001 –
2016 (Paragraph A15)) includes the following assessment:
“
The available evidence suggests that there has been a rapid
increase in the use of C and D waste (construction and demolition
waste) since 1990. This means that most of the C and D waste
that is easy to recycle is now being recycled and therefore
it is likely to become progressively more difficult to increase
the use of C and D waste further. While there is potential
for increased supply from some mineral wastes, a number
of other sources of alternatives to primary aggregates are
decreasing as a result of industrial changes.” |
If you need any more information, please contact our
Press Office.
|
