The Construction Product Association’s latest State of Trade Survey reports a positive performance in sales of construction products in the first quarter of 2016. Sales increased for a twelfth consecutive quarter, but manufacturers’ optimism is showing signs of sliding due to uncertainty surrounding the EU referendum in June.
The latest CPA survey shows that 38% of heavy side firms and 13% of light side firms reported an annual increase in sales and exports increased for 14% of heavy side firms and 50% of light side firms compared to a year earlier. Manufacturers reported that wages and salaries were reported higher by all heavy side firms and 71% of light side firms
Rebecca Larkin, CPA senior economist, said: “It is encouraging that after a couple of quarters of muted activity, heavy side manufacturers reported stronger sales growth in Q1. Light side manufacturers opened 2016 a little weaker, but this is likely to be a hangover as the slowdown reported by the heavy side at the end of last year filters through to light side activity – typically towards the end of the building process.
“Manufacturers’ optimism for Q2 and for the next 12 months has been dented by uncertainty in the run-up to the EU referendum in June. On balance, 38% of heavy side firms and 29% of those on the light side anticipate a rise in sales in Q2. These balances mark the lowest sentiment in three years and signpost a slowdown in growth as we approach the vote.
“One favourable side effect of the referendum uncertainty has been the depreciation in Sterling, which has resulted in increased exports for product manufacturers. On the heavy side, 71% of manufacturers anticipate an increase in export sales over the year, a view shared by 60% of light side firms. This will provide a welcome fillip if domestic demand pauses as manufacturers expect.”
