UK construction activity decline decelerates in June but optimism down
The contraction in activity in the UK construction sector slowed in June, but the forward-looking survey indicators were weaker than in May, data published by S&P Global showed Friday.
The UK construction purchasing managers’ index rose to 48.8 points in June from 47.9 in May. Getting closer to the neutral 50-point mark separating growth from contraction, it indicates the pace of decline in the construction sector slowed in June.
Demand for construction items softened again in June, S&P highlighted.
Further, June data indicated a sharp rise in purchasing costs across the construction sector, with higher prices paid for concrete, insulation and timber.
Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: ‘Shrinking workloads in the commercial and civil engineering segments weighed on total industry activity. Commercial activity fell at the sharpest rate in just over five years.’
Further, he cautioned: ‘The forward-looking survey indicators were weaker than in May. Total new orders fell at a faster pace as many construction companies signalled reduced overall workloads due to unfavourable domestic economic conditions and fragile confidence among clients.’
Around 34% of the survey panel expect a rise in output, while 18% expect a fall. A month ago, S&P Global had reported that in May, 39% expected an increase in output and 16% predicted a decline, indicating a deterioration in June compared to May.
Business expectations in June had the lowest degree of optimism since December 2022, S&P said.
‘Anecdotal evidence suggested that subdued sales enquiries and worries about the UK economic outlook had weighed on business confidence,’ it added.
The UK construction PMI features a panel of 150 construction firms, with responses collected between June 12 and 27.
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