New report from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) on regional construction markets in Great Britain reveals meaningful recovery not expected until 2028.

The MPA's Regional Overview of Construction and Mineral Products Markets in Great Britain presents a consolidated guide to construction activity and the demand for aggregates, concrete, asphalt and mortar across nine English regions, plus Scotland and Wales.

Key findings in the report include sharp contrasts between different regions. For example, construction output grew 7.1% in the North East but fell 10.3% in Wales in 2025. And the East Midlands was the only region where sales grew across all mineral products last year.

Among the main headwinds facing mineral products demand has been the prolonged downturn in new-build housing activity. While the need for new homes remains substantial, and Government ambitions suggest opportunities for longer-term growth, market conditions are expected to remain difficult in the near term.

Growth in mineral products demand is expected to rely heavily on infrastructure delivery, including investment in energy generation and water and sewerage projects, which should support activity in the East of England, Wales and Scotland.

Produced with mineral planning in mind, the region-by-region guide helps inform discussions around future mineral requirements and the role of mineral planning in supporting built development.

Understanding how construction activity and demand vary between regions is crucial to ensuring the essential materials needed for housing, infrastructure, and public and private development, are available when needed across all parts of the country.

Drawing on a range of industry and official sources, the report combines historical trends with market forecasts. A consistent regional framework enables comparisons between regions and identifies major construction projects which could influence and shape future demand for mineral products.

The inclusion of historical MPA sales volumes data for aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and mortar further supports the document's credibility. Collected through rigorous quarterly surveys of members, the MPA says this robust stream of data is crucial for monitoring underlying market activity given the lack of government statistics on the British minerals industry.

Luke George, Economist at MPA, said: "Construction activity is often discussed at the national level, but market conditions and growth opportunities often vary significantly between regions.

"By combining key construction indicators with MPA's robust sales volumes data, this report provides a practical resource for analysing and understanding the factors shaping construction activity and mineral products demand across Great Britain. With no growth expected next year, the recovery is now unlikely before 2028."

Mark Russell, MPA Executive Director for Planning and Mineral Resources, said: "Mineral products are essential to the delivery of homes and infrastructure, and fundamental for driving economic growth. Effective planning for future supply requires an understanding of how construction demand is changing across different parts of the country.

This report provides valuable evidence for every region that can help support informed decision-making to ensure a sufficient and timely supply of mineral resources are available where and when they are needed."

The report Regional Overview of Construction and Mineral Products Markets in Great Britain can be downloaded from the MPA website.