Wed, 03 Sep 2025

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 UK cement production drops to lowest levels since 1950s

The Mineral Products Association says the decline threatens to impact the government's housing plans.
UK Cement Production Hits Lowest Level Since 1950, Threatening Housing Plans The UK's cement production has plummeted to its lowest level since 1950, sparking concerns over the government's ambitious plans to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The Mineral Products Association (MPA) warned that high energy costs, regulatory pressures, and labor shortages are driving down domestic production, which is essential for infrastructure projects. The MPA revealed that UK cement production fell to just 7.3 million tonnes in 2024, roughly half of what it was in 1990. This decline threatens to derail the government's plans for housing, hospitals, power plants, and other infrastructure projects. A new hospital, for example, requires nearly 8,000 tonnes of cement. MPA executive director Dr Diana Casey said: "You can't build houses, bridges, or railways without us... The fact production has declined so much at a level since 1950 is worrying." She urged the government to take action to cut electricity prices and support domestic producers, warning that jobs could be lost if imports continue to rise. The Department for Business and Trade acknowledged the challenges facing the cement sector but said its Industrial Strategy was providing support through the Supercharger scheme. However, experts warn that rising material costs, labor shortages, and stalled projects are all contributing to the industry's woes. Rico Wojtulewicz from the National Federation of Builders noted: "It's getting harder for construction firms... There are many stalled projects which means there is a reduced need for locally manufactured cement." Eddie Tuttle from the Chartered Institute of Building added that labor shortages and rising material costs were major concerns, particularly at a time when construction has been prioritized by the government.
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