Masonry materials—brick, AAC blocks and concrete blocks—remain the preferred options in residential construction, accounting for over 70% of newly authorized dwellings in 2024, according to INS data. The domestic market is dominated by local manufacturers, but rising energy costs and higher wages in the construction sector continue to generate fluctuations in retail prices.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics show a 6% increase in AAC deliveries during the first nine months of 2024, while demand for brick has stagnated, particularly in rural areas. This trend is driven both by initial construction costs and by the slower pace of building permits issued in these regions.

A major challenge for the masonry industry is the shortage of skilled labour, which is accelerating the development of prefabricated or modular solutions. In the short term, pressure on profit margins is expected to intensify, and adapting to energy-efficiency requirements will be essential for maintaining the competitiveness of local producers.

(Photo: Freepik)