Rising materials prices could set back Covid recovery

European construction’s recovery could be at least partially derailed, due to a combination of materials shortages and price rises, according to the European Builders Confederation (EBC).

The organisation, which represents small and medium sized construction businesses in Europe, says information from its member associations shows construction companies are finding it difficult to maintain profitability, due to the volatility of the materials market.

The EBC has collated the issues and actions of its member associations and made it available here.

With reactions from associations in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, the EBC says a picture emerges of small contractors struggling on a day-to-day basis with materials shortages and price rises.

Many have detailed their requests that action be taken by their national, regional and/or local authorities.

The EBC says it is continuing to monitor the situation and believes SMEs are being disproportionately affected by the situation and has challenged the European Commission to take appropriate steps in mitigation.

The organisation said a healthy construction industry in Europe is crucial that the Green Deal and Renovation Wave, adding that the recovery package should be spent on helping construction businesses recover, as opposed to covering the cost of materials price rises.