Material prices set to remain high 'for a year'

摘要

Inflation in raw material costs will continue for the rest of 2021, according to a new survey from the Construction Products Association (CPA). The organisation's State of Trade Survey for the first quarter of 2021 found housing is leading a recovery for the sector, but material shortages are expected to hit prices this year. The supply of raw materials and components is the primary concern for most product manufacturers, reflecting global shortages of key items including steel, timber, PVC and chemicals. Some 90 per cent of heavy-side and 88 per cent of light-side manufacturers reported an increase in the cost of raw materials during 01. Heavy-side products are typically structural materials used early in the construction process, such as cement and steel, while light-side products are mainly fittings and services, such as heating systems and insulation.