As predicted, Q2 has been a vast improvement on Q1 for cement and aggregate sales, as demand moves in line with what we’d normally expect to see.

The latest market figures, published by Mineral Products Association, show an encouraging increase in mortar (+2.8%), crushed rock (+4.0%) and asphalt (5.3%) sales, compared to Q1. However, ready-mixed concrete sales (-1.1%) have yet to recover from the lows seen in the previous quarter, and neither have sand and gravel sales (-10.0%). Year-on-year, Q2 showed double-digit declines for ready-mixed concrete and sand and gravel, both widely used in housebuilding.

The weather continues to play a part in holding back housebuilding, but it’s also increased customer demand for plastic bagged cement product. Worryingly, this demand has continued into the drier months when our Tuff Bag paper wrapped product would provide sufficient protection. When plastic waste from UK construction has grown 15 times faster than our counterparts in Europe, it’s a disappointing step backwards for waste-reduction targets to see more customers choosing plastic.

Buyer behaviour is something we’ll be reviewing to see how we can reverse this trend, particularly if the government brings forward the new packaging regulations that had been delayed until 2025.

Overall, the election of the new government has brought both caution and optimism. We’ve heard pledges to increase housebuilding before, but can Labour deliver the planning reforms and improve skills and product shortages to make it a reality? Watch this space. Meanwhile, the threat of cuts to infrastructure spending will adversely affect our sector, as will increases to income tax which could dent disposable income and the RMI market.

I for one would like to see a common-sense approach to government policy from Labour, particularly those policies affecting the construction industry, which is so important to national GDP. We need to encourage growth, not stall recovery, and I would welcome the appointment of ministers who take the time to understand our sector and how it works, and provide us with the support we need to grow.

We are hopeful that trade will pick up further in Q3 and that the industry recovery continues throughout the second half of the year.