The construction products sales decline has slowed, according to the latest Construction Products Association (CPA) Activity Barometer.
Commenting on the results, Noble Francis, economics director for the CPA said they were a “considerable improvement” and reflected the “recent improvement in the housing sector”.
“However,” he added, “looking forward, manufacturers are still pessimistic but not as pessimistic as they have been over the last three quarters.
“While economic activity appears to be returning to growth, this does not appear to be the case for construction or product manufacturing where output, order books and employment continue to fall.”
The report reveals the majority of product manufacturers continue to be affected by the falls in construction. Firms in the industrial and commercial sectors are currently experiencing sharp falls in construction and are continuing to suffer more than those in other sectors.
