Construction product sales show growth

The UK’s Construction Products Association has reported an increase in the sale of construction products for the second quarter of 2013, following a slow start to the year due to bad weather.

The association’s latest State of Trade Survey also showed that market sentiment improved in the three months to the end of June, with 38% of heavy and 31% of light side companies expecting sales to rise in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, export growth also continued to boost sales in the second quarter with 30% of light and 20% of heavy side companies reporting a rise in exports quarter-on-quarter.

Construction Products Association economist, Milja Keijonen said, “The second quarter of 2013 saw a predicted bounce back in quarterly construction product sales following a weak performance during the first three months of 2013.

"Export sales continued to provide a lifeline for many product manufacturers, whilst the domestic construction industry remained subdued. Both heavy and light side sales continued to decline on an annual basis, even if the pace of these falls showed signs of slowing down from the first quarter.”

Looking ahead, the association said product manufacturers remain optimistic about sales growth, with recent data releases on the UK economy fuelling optimism over growth prospects.

Also, market conditions are expected to improve as the year progresses with private housing one of the key sectors expected to boost domestic demand. Export sales are also anticipated to continue providing a boost.