The UK-based Construction Products Association, which represents the UK's manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings, has issued its latest state of trade survey. The survey indicates that, manufacturers, particularly on the light side, are benefiting from an increase in export activity to offset the subdued level of construction activity in the domestic market.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, 34 percent of light side and 17 percent of heavy side manufacturers recorded growth in overseas sales during the past year, and a further 55 percent and 71 percent respectively maintained export levels in a competitive global marketplace.
Commenting on the figures, Construction Products Association senior economist Kelly Forrest said, "Construction product manufacturers have invested heavily in developing trade links beyond the euro zone and, in Q4 35 percent of light side manufacturers with export links sold products into the Asian market, a very high proportion by historical standards."
According to Mr. Forrest, future prospects for the UK industry remain very uncertain, as cuts to public sector capital budgets impact on the ground and weak economic growth constrains the private sector recovery. Forrest also said that strong inflation of input costs added to the pressures on manufacturers as price increases in raw materials, energy and fuel all had a significant impact on manufacturing costs.