Concrete prices across Europe in 2025 showed a mixed trend compared to Q1 2024, with Sweden and Israel recording the strongest increases, mainly driven by higher input, energy and logistics costs, with Israel also affected by disruptions linked to the earlier Middle East conflict. In contrast, France and Germany saw the most consistent declines, largely due to weaker demand, stronger competition and some oversupply.

In Q1 2026, concrete prices increased across most European markets on a QoQ basis. Finland, Norway and Spain recorded increases of close to 5%. In Finland and Norway, the rise was largely driven by higher input costs and a seasonal demand recovery in Q1 2026. In Spain, stronger demand supported price growth. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is affecting cement prices, which are also passed through into concrete. At the same time, the reduction in European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) free allowances is also adding pressure.

The UK saw a decline in concrete sales in Q1 2026 on a QoQ basis due to weak demand. However, prices still edged up, driven by rising input costs. Logistics and labour cost inflation added further pressure to concrete.

Concrete prices across Europe are expected to increase in Q2 2026, but the impact is expected to be uneven and largely driven by the Middle East conflict. Gas-dependent markets such as Germany, Italy, and the UK are expected to record the sharpest rises, as higher gas-linked electricity and diesel costs feed into production and transport. In contrast, markets with relatively cleaner energy mixes, including France and the Nordics, are expected to see more moderate increases due to lower energy cost sensitivity. Belgium and Ireland are expected to remain relatively stable, supported by steady demand and gradual pass-through of input costs.

Currency movements are also expected to influence pricing, particularly in Sweden and Norway, where weaker exchange rates are likely to contribute to increases alongside cost pressures. Overall, pricing trends are expected to remain fragmented, driven by local energy exposure, supply structure, and demand conditions.