The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in January, reveal that builders’ merchants’ value sales were down -5.7% in November 2023 compared to the same month in 2022, with volume sales falling -12.1% and prices increasing +7.2%.

Year-on-Year
Compared to November 2022, six of the twelve categories sold more in November 2023 compared to the previous year. But falling value sales in the three largest categories contributed to an overall decline in volumes, with heavy building materials (-7.0%), landscaping (-7.4%) and timber and joinery products (-10.9%) all selling less.

Month-on-month
Total merchant sales were down -4.4% in November compared to October 2023. Volume sales decreased -7.5% and prices increased +3.4%. There was no difference in trading days. Seasonal category landscaping was the weakest (-14.2%).

Year to date
Total merchant sales in the year to date (January to November 2023) were -4.9% down on the same period in 2022. Volume sales were down -13.8% while prices rose +10.3%. With two more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -5.7% lower. Nine of the twelve categories sold more, with renewables and water saving (+31.2%) the only standout. Again, the three largest categories – heavy building materials (-2.8%), landscaping (-12.2%) and timber and joinery products Products (-14.6%) – each sold less.

Derrick McFarland, managing director at Keystone Group UK and BMBI’s Expert for Steel Lintels said: “The last few months of 2023 offered no optimism from the continued slide in volumes compared to the previous year. We can only be hopeful that with a freeze on interest rates and inflation reducing, at some point in the future new house building and home improvements will once again stimulate or arrest the current volume slide. However, the next few months will only get more challenging before that improvement starts to ooze through.

BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.  

The post Builders Merchant sales slide -5.7% as volumes drop -12.1% year-on-year appeared first on PHPD Online.

The latest total volume sales from Britain’s builders’ merchants reported by BMBI showed Q3 2023 volumes fell -10.5% compared to the same period in 2022. With prices rising +8.0%, total value sales were down -3.3%. There was no difference in trading days.

Jim Blanthorne, Keylite Roof Windows

Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+27.8%) once again significantly ahead of the rest. The three largest categories all sold less: heavy building materials (-1.5%), landscaping (-7.0%) and timber & joinery products (-13.1%).

Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales dipped -1.4% in Q3 compared with April to June 2023. Volume sales dropped -2.1% and prices edged up +0.8%. With four more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -7.5% lower in July to September compared to Q2.

Q3 results weren’t helped by September total value sales, which were -6.1% down on the same month in 2022, with no difference in trading days. Volume sales fell -13.0% while prices rose +7.8%. Value sales of the largest three categories, heavy building materials (-5.8%), landscaping (-6.7%), and timber & joinery products (-13.9%), were significantly down, although some smaller categories, tools (+7.4%), decorating (+7.3%), kitchens & bathrooms (+5.9%), plumbing, heating & electrical (+3.3%) and ironmongery (+1.7%), sold more.

Total Sales – Q3 2023 v Q3 2022

September total merchant sales were down -3.4%. Volume (-2.7%) and price (-0.7%) were also down. With one less trading day in September, like-for-like sales were +1.2% higher. Only three categories sold more: work- & safetywear (+2.7%), plumbing, heating & electrical (+2.3%) and kitchens & bathrooms (+0.8%). Seasonal category landscaping (-9.2%) contracted the most.

Jim Blanthorne, managing director of Keylite Roof Windows and BMBI’s expert for roof windows commented: “Lower market demand seems to be a result of reduced consumer confidence while relatively high interest rates and inflation levels cause many to put on hold their plans to move or improve. Quarter three therefore brought reduced activity levels which is unlikely to improve in the near term.

“One upside of lower volumes is that supply chains have now fully normalised and availability of primary raw materials and sub-components is no longer a routine concern, with the exception of a new challenge regarding timber certification.

BMBI Q3 2023 Highlight Infographic

“For the past decade, we have sourced FSC material, however most Polish forestry regions and mills have decided to terminate their FSC accreditation over frustration with new compliance requirements which have been perceived by some to be well beyond the scope of ensuring chain of custody.

“Most mills have now secured PEFC certification instead which is equally well regarded and continues to ensure that the timber we use comes from responsibly managed sources.”

BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

The post Q3 volume down -10.5% on Q2 2022. Value sales were down -3.3% appeared first on PHPD Online.