05 November 2004

Aggregates Sales Trends Improve In Third Quarter

The QPA’s Trend results for the third quarter of 2004 showed some improvement over the results recorded for the first half of the year.

Third quarter sales volumes for aggregates were relatively flat compared with the same period of 2003, with sand and gravel 1% up and crushed rock 1% down. For the year to date (January – September) both sand and gravel and crushed rock sales were 1% down on 2003.

Sales of ready mixed concrete were 6% higher in the third quarter, and were 3% higher in the first nine months of 2004, compared with 2003. Ready mixed concrete is used in all construction sectors, and this sales growth reflects the continuing growth in overall construction activity during 2004.

The 2% sales fall of asphalt in the third quarter represents a lower rate of decline than in the first half of the year. The 7% decline for the year to date reflects both the lack of significant new highways contracts awards this year, and the continuing inability of local authorities to allocate sufficient resources for necessary highways maintenance.

ENDS

Notes to editors

QUARRY PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TRENDS JULY - SEPTEMBER 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: JULY - SEPTEMBER 2004

% change over same period of previous year

 

2002 YEAR 2003 QTR 1 2003 QTR 2 2003 QTR 3 2003 QTR 4 2003 YEAR 2004 QTR 1 2004 QTR 2 2004 QTR 3 Jan - Sept 04 Crushed Rock -3 -9 +3 +3 -3 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 Sand & Gravel -4 -13 +2 -2 -1 -4 -3 -3 +1 -1 Asphalt +5 +5 +4 -3 -6 NC -8 -10 -2 -7 Ready mixed Concrete -2 NC NC -2 -1 -1 NC +3 +6 +3

 

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