Suppliers struggle to keep up with boom in activity

摘要

As construction activity has surged in 2021 availability of materials has become constrained. This has meant lead times lengthening and costs rising. Steel has been one of the worst affected items, with British Steel temporarily stopping new orders for structural steel items in May due to "extreme demand". Issues are global said Richard Warren, head of policy and external affairs at trade body UK Steel. "[There has been] increased demand in China, a reduction in Chinese exports and pent-up demand elsewhere not bouncing back in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns," he said. The situation is expected to improve in the second half of the year as steel production ramps up, Warren added.