On September 17, 2025, the Global Aggregate Information Network (GAIN™) held its 32nd international teleconference, where representatives from industry associations in more than 30 countries and regions shared industry dynamics in the first half of 2025 and their outlook for the second half, and discussed the Cordoba International Conference in October.
New Zealand:
Wayne Scott, CEO of the New Zealand Sand and Gravel Association, stated that overall demand in the sand and gravel industry remained stable in 2025, with per capita demand holding at 8 tons, slightly lower than the previous level of 9 tons per person. The industry is expected to rebound in 2026, with growth primarily driven by a robust performance in the agricultural sector.
China:
Xu Beibei of the China Sand and Gravel Association stated that the sand and gravel industry’s production capacity is still being released gradually, while demand is shrinking, leading to a continuous decline in output and prices, further narrowing corporate profit margins. In the first half of 2025, the national sand and gravel output was 7.3 billion tons, a year-on-year decrease of 4%. In the second half of the year, the Chinese sand and gravel market will continue to maintain a supply-demand imbalance, with demand continuing to decline, but the rate of decline is expected to narrow, and prices will continue to decline.
Malaysia:
Hock Soon of the Malaysian Sand and Gravel Association stated that the construction industry maintained steady growth in the first half of the year, driven by railway infrastructure development. The local government plans to advance the high-speed rail project connecting Thailand and China, injecting new momentum into Malaysia’s economic development. Sand and gravel sales remained active in most parts of Malaysia, with Johor showing particularly strong performance due to the railway construction to Singapore, and Penang also maintaining a good growth trend.
Canada:
Brent, president of the Aggregate Producers Association of Canada (APAC), stated that the APAC general meeting is scheduled to be held in Toronto soon. Members come from five key provinces, covering 90% of Canada’s aggregate production. While provincial trends vary, the national aggregate volume is expected to remain stable at around 430 million tons. New Brunswick is the most active province, driven by strong demand due to the construction of a 200-kilometer new highway. Construction projects are expected to peak in September/October.
Brazil:
Diego, the Brazilian Sand and Gravel Association, pointed out that Brazil’s sand and gravel production increased by 3.5% year-on-year in the first half of the year, mainly due to a strong housing market and a robust labor market, with particularly significant growth in the northeast and south regions. However, the industry began to decline in August, with housing finance down by more than 60% year-on-year, new home launches slowing down, and economic confidence weakening.
Colombia:
Carlos Fernando, manager of the Colombian Sand and Gravel Producers Association, stated that sand and gravel production declined by approximately 30% year-on-year in the first half of the year due to a shift in policy focus towards non-housing and infrastructure sectors. A moderate recovery is expected in the second half of the year, but total annual production may still be 15% lower than in 2024. The upcoming presidential election next year is expected to provide new growth momentum for the sand and gravel industry.
Europe:
Dirk, Secretary General of the European Sand and Gravel Association (AE), said that European sand and gravel production will be less than 3 billion tons in 2024, with a slightly higher expected in 2025. Currently, inflation in Europe is relatively stable at 2%, while energy prices continue to face upward pressure. The simplification of legislation and reporting is noteworthy. Europe is currently negotiating its budget for the next five years, and defense measures will generate significant new demand, bringing sand and gravel taxes back to the political agenda.
