A “perfect storm” of high demand for construction products coupled with congestion at UK ports is leading to a shortage of roofing materials and timber that is starting to impact the building industry, a trade body has warned.
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) reported that timber prices were surging an average of 20%, while some merchants were being quoted as far ahead as August this year for availability of some roofing products, particularly pitched roof tiles.
The BMF said factors including high demand, escalating prices for shipping, and delays at some ports were all having a “major impact”.
John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF and co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council’s Brexit Movement of Building Products and Materials Group, said: “Merchants have seen an exceptional demand for building materials since the first lockdown.
“In November we saw an average growth of 9% across our membership compared to the same time last year. Looking at December’s figures, we are predicting that growth could be double digits, and that’s unprecedented.
“We know a number of roof tile manufacturers are taking extensive steps to meet this exceptional demand. Through the Construction Leadership Council, we are also working together with government to address the issues we face, but it’s a complex situation with many different factors leading us into this position.”
The BMF said it was also looking into the “massive surge” in costs of building products shipped in containers from the Far East.
Newcomb added: “As we reported late last year, we continue to see issues with the availability of products imported in containers, mainly from the Far East, such as screws and fixings, tools, plumbing items, bathroom suites and shower enclosures.
“Since then, the situation has only got worse. Our members manufacture 76% of building products in the UK.
"However, we need to ensure access to these goods from around the world, to keep the industry running.”
Tewkesbury-based Lakes Showering, a manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, walk-ins and bath screens, is a family-owned business imports into the UK, via the China-Europe shipping route.
Sales and marketing director, Mike Tattam, said: “We are facing a perfect storm caused by a number of factors, including a shortage of containers because of unprecedented demand, ships mothballed with their containers and crew, and carriers reluctant to take bookings for the UK because of the congestion at UK ports.
“The latest development is that we’ve found the shipping companies are not even quoting contract rates, it’s all based on spot pricing, where you get what’s available at a price, on that day.
“Currently we are looking at the cost for a container of around $15,000. This time last year it was $2,100.
“We’ve even heard reports of costs going to $30,000, and that’s untenable.
“It’s having a very serious impact and it’s a situation that’s getting rapidly worse.”
