Construction products manufacturers anticipate increase in sales during Q2

Although the CPA's (Construction Products Association) latest State of Trade Survey reveals that sales of construction products fell - predominantly due to poor weather conditions -  during the first three months of 2013, PinBoard believes this will lead to a much healthier Q2. 

The weather will surely improve and building and refurbishment projects will be keen to make up for lost time. Manufacturers will also benefit from the seasonal DIY market boost. The outlook is perhaps brighter than it first appears.

Commenting on the figures, Construction Products Association economist, Milja Keijonen said: ‘The poor weather in January and March certainly had an adverse affect on sales in Q1, with sales of heavy side products falling for the fourth consecutive quarter with 39% of firms reporting a fall in sales. Despite seeing a rise in light side sales in Q4, volumes were once again lower both on a quarterly basis and compared to a year ago.

‘It is not all doom and gloom however, as both heavy and light side manufacturers anticipate a catch-up in sales in Q2 as improving weather conditions kick-start infrastructure and housing projects. Furthermore, a growth in sales is expected over the next 12 months. In addition, export sales continued to grow in Q1, with 15% of heavy and 21% of light side manufacturers reporting increased export volumes compared to Q4. Overall, 2013 is likely to be a challenging year for the industry but there are areas of optimism among the dark clouds.’

Other key points include:

• Light side sales volumes contracted both year-on-year and on a quarterly basis, on balance.
• Heavy side markets remained depressed with sales falling both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, according to 39% of firms, on balance.
• Both heavy and light side product manufacturers anticipate a recovery in sales in Q2, on balance.
• Export sales continued to grow in Q1. On balance, 21% of light and 15% of heavy side firms reported higher export sales on a quarterly basis.
• Low demand is expected to hinder sales growth in 2013 but raw material prices were also cited as a likely constraint by a small group of firms.

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