"In 2024, the UK produced 7.3 million tonnes of cement - the lowest figure since records began in 1950 and less than half the 16 million tonnes made in 1990. At the same time, demand indicators are also down: sales of ready-mixed concrete fell to just 2.7 million cubic metres in the second quarter of 2025, the weakest quarter since 1963. For context, building a traditional four-bedroom family house requires around three to five tonnes of cement, according to the MPA. If domestic output continues to slide, more projects will depend on imports, making building materials costs less predictable for homebuilders."
"Producers and industry bodies, such as Make UK, blame high industrial energy costs, which are among the highest in Europe, and tougher carbon taxes that don't apply equally to imports. Imports have already climbed from 12% of sales in 2008 to 32% in 2024, according to the MPA, leaving the sector exposed to international price swings. Breedon Group (a leading producer of raw materials) boss Rob Wood said the figures reflect "a generation of underinvestment in housing and infrastructure" and should be "ringing alarm bells" for policymakers."
UK cement production dropped to 7.3 million tonnes in 2024, the lowest since 1950, and significantly below 1990 levels. Ready-mixed concrete sales declined to 2.7 million cubic metres in Q2 2025, the weakest quarter since 1963. A typical four-bedroom house requires about three to five tonnes of cement, increasing sensitivity to supply changes. Imports rose from 12% of sales in 2008 to 32% in 2024, exposing the sector to international price swings. Industry groups attribute the decline to high industrial energy costs and stricter carbon taxes, and calls exist for policy action and industry support.
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