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| Press releases | |
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14 November 2007 Positive Third Quarter for Aggregates Sector
In particular, sales of crushed rock aggregates grew by 8%, following the strong performance recorded in the second quarter. Sand and Gravel sales declined by 1% during the third quarter, confirming the relatively flat trend for the year to date. Sales of ready mixed concrete increased by 3% in the third quarter, maintaining the growth trend evident throughout 2007. Asphalt values grew by 3% in the third quarter of 2007, compared with the same period of 2006. This is the first time for two years that there has been a significant recorded increase in quarterly asphalt sales, although the improvement in the third quarter compares with a third quarter "base" of 2006 which recorded a 7% decline in sales volume. In general terms, the survey indication that total GB aggregate
sales volumes to date in 2007 have risen by 3%, and ready-mixed
concrete sales volumes by 2%, compared with the growth in construction
output so far in 2007 of 2%-3%. Asphalt sales for the year to
date show only a slight decline, which is a stronger performance
than had been anticipated, but the available indicators - for
example the continuing spending constraints imposed on local highway
authorities - suggest that the asphalt sales trend will continue
to be negative over the next 12 months. ENDS
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