The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report has been released and reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales in May were down -5.2% year-on-year. Volume sales also fell -7.0%, while prices were up +2.0%. Despite an additional trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were down -9.7%.
Compared to May 2023, nine of the twelve categories performed better than Total Merchants year-on-year, with the top three categories Workwear & Safetywear up +18.8%, Decorating increasing by +3.7% and Kitchens & Bathrooms also up +2.0%. Two of the largest categories declined more than Total Merchants on last year with Timber & Joinery Products dropping -6.9% and Heavy Building Materials down -7.7%. Renewables & Water Saving was the weakest category overall, falling -37.1%.
May figures were better than April with total value sales +3.0% higher, volume sales increasing by +2.2% and prices were marginally higher (+0.8%) month-on-month. Half of the twelve categories sold more, with Landscaping up +12.7% and Heavy Building Materials up +3.7% – the strongest.
To read the full report, visit the website.
