The latest figures showed the cost of building materials in the UK has risen sharply over the past few months. Data from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) records that the total cost of materials for new housing was 6.7 percent higher in January 2021 compared to the same month the previous year. The material cost for other types of new construction increased to 5.2 percent above 2020 levels. Imported plywood increased 23.7 percent in January 2021 compared to the previous year; While gravel, sand and aggregates were 19.2 percent higher; Particleboard increased by 16.9 percent. Others saw a decrease in average costs, with the cost of ready-mixed concrete down 2.1 percent in January compared to the previous year, according to BEIS. Ready-mixed concrete delivery volumes decreased 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, and decreased slightly, by 0.4 percent, in the third quarter of 2020, which witnessed a sharp rebound from the drop in sales during the first close. Cumulative concrete deliveries throughout 2020 were down 17.3 percent from 2019, and ready mix demand in early 2021 remained well below the seasonally adjusted levels seen in recent years. Earlier this week, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) released the results of a survey conducted in January and February of this year, which found that a combination of ongoing logistical and administrative difficulties related to Brexit had led to supply problems and higher prices. Cases include inflated costs and the reluctance of carriers to bring goods to and from the UK. In a statement, TTF said that some European suppliers are “unwilling or unable to share supply chain details to help members complete the due diligence required under UKTR”, referring to UK timber regulations post-Brexit, and that paperwork is increasing Contributed to rising costs. Some survey respondents predicted more severe challenges in the future once the grace period for customs declarations expires in July, and when the UKCA mark will be rolled out in place of the European Union for Building Products next year. TTF CEO David Hopkins said: “New trade restrictions have emerged at a time when the market is facing unparalleled challenges as a result of the COVID pandemic. In December we issued a market statement warning that the supply of timber and panels will be tight until 2021. And now, it is getting worse. The situation is due to increased management and slow delivery times as a result of the trade deal with Brexit.
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