Material shortages hit as ‘unprecedented’ demand is forecast
High demand, escalating prices and shipping delays are hitting material availability in the industry, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has said.
The trade body said roofing products are particularly hard hit – with some members telling it they are waiting until August for their supplies. Meanwhile, timber prices have increased by an average of 20 per cent, it said.
Members experienced 9 per cent year-on-year growth in demand for all materials in November and expected that number to rise to “unprecedented” double-digit levels.
The issues are hitting smaller companies and sole traders worse than larger firms at present, other trade bodies have said.
Construction products shortage impacting building industry 27 January, 2021 SHARE Factors including high demand, coupled with escalating prices for shipping and delays at some British ports, are all having a major impact.
A shortage of construction products including roofing materials and timber is starting to impact on the building industry, the Builders Merchants Federation has revealed.
The BMF, whose members represent a £38 billion slice of the construction industry supply chain, has received reports of August availability for some roofing products, while timber prices are surging by an average of 20%.
Factors including high demand, coupled with escalating prices for shipping and delays at some British ports, are all having a major impact.
High demand and shipping delays causing material shortages
Source:  Shutterstock
High demand, escalating prices and shipping delays are hitting material availability in the industry, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has said.
The trade body said roofing products are particularly hard hit – with some members telling it they are waiting until August for their supplies. Meanwhile, timber prices have increased by an average of 20 per cent, it said.
Advertisement
According to the AJ s sister title
Construction News, the body s members experienced 9 per cent year-on-year growth in demand for all materials in November and expected that number to rise to unprecedented double-digit levels.
Subscription Notification
We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details. Please update your billing details here
Please update your billing information
The subscription details associated with this account need to be updated. Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your subscription.
Your subscription will end shortly
Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your access to the most informative and considered journalism in the UK.
Should you move house or build an extension or loft conversion? We reveal how much value house extensions can add to your property, plus what home improvement you should do if you want to move house in 2021.