Bricks, Blocks, and Precast Concrete Products Market Outlook 2023

With the release of the 8th edition of the report, we’ve compiled a Bricks, Blocks, and Precast Concrete products market outlook for 2023-2027.

Barbour ABI offers insights into the market’s trajectory post-pandemic and its prospects.

Concrete Products Demand Recovery

The report underscores a robust recovery in the demand for bricks, blocks, and precast concrete products following the pandemic.

This resurgence is attributed to the ongoing housing shortages across the UK, making a significant downturn in demand unlikely.

The industry has seen a marked increase in brick consumption, rising from 2.4 billion units to 2.5 billion units, a growth of over 4% in 2022. This increase indicates the sector’s resilience and ability to bounce back from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

Market Trends within Concrete Products Industry

A significant trend observed in the report is the wider adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) and offsite production, particularly among housebuilders. This shift is expected to continue as the industry seeks to minimise costs and comply with government targets for housebuilding.

The sector’s inclination towards sustainability is evident from the market’s focus on low-carbon product manufacturing and the use of alternative energy sources like hydrogen in brick and block manufacturing.

In 2022, the market for precast concrete blocks grew by over 12%, showcasing a solid upward trajectory since 2018. The report anticipates a moderate annual growth of around 1-2% up to 2025 in the residential repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) sector, which accounts for up to 15% of annual construction output in the UK.

New Homes and Traditional Masonry

The demand for bricks, blocks, and precast concrete products remains heavily dependent on the overall state of the UK construction market, with housebuilding being an especially crucial factor.

Nearly 80% of the UK’s new homes are constructed using traditional masonry products such as bricks, highlighting the enduring importance of these materials in residential construction.

Concrete Products PESTLE Analysis from Barbour ABI

The report’s PESTLE analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors influencing the market. These include:

• Global political instability
• Post-Brexit trade issues
• UK population growth
• Technological innovations in building design
• New regulations concerning energy efficiency
• Growing focus on sustainable materials

Barbour ABI’s report is a resource for stakeholders in the construction industry, offering analysis of the market’s current state and future prospects, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and technological advancements.