The Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) has published the “2024 Ready-Mix Concrete Sector Report,” which includes comprehensive analyses of the sector. According to the report, the sector’s production volume grew by an estimated 9.2% in 2024. The ongoing construction activities in the regions affected by the earthquake are a major contributing factor to this growth.
Türkiye maintains its leadership position in Europe with an annual production of 130 million cubic meters. According to the European Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the total production of the EU countries is 239 million cubic meters, with Türkiye alone accounting for 119 million cubic meters of this amount. The ready mixed concrete sector contributes significantly to the Turkish economy, with an approximate turnover of 200 billion TRY and over 45,000 employees, according to 2023 data.
Impact on Construction Costs: 8% Effect
The Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association President Yavuz Işık highlighted that ready mixed concrete has an average effect of 8% on construction costs, stating, “On average, the effect is 8%. Of course, this rate is expected to vary depending on the type of construction, the type of concrete, and the ratio of rough/fine construction costs. However, this rate is not expected to show significant changes, especially in the context of residential buildings. The report also demonstrates the impact of changes in ready-mix concrete prices (official prices) on construction costs, with a 10% increase in concrete prices affecting construction costs by approximately 0.8%.”
Quality Concrete is Essential for Safe Buildings in Earthquakes
Işık also addressed the February 6, 2023, earthquakes, stating, “The stark contrast between buildings constructed with high-strength, standard-compliant ready-mixed concrete and those built with weaker materials, techniques, and especially with primitive methods of concrete construction before the year 2000, is clearly evident. It has once again been demonstrated that the use of concrete with a strength class of C30/37 or higher, suitable for environmental conditions, is essential for the construction of safer buildings against earthquakes.” He emphasized that to prevent such disasters in the future, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the Earthquake Regulation, improve inspection processes, and raise awareness within society.
The Roadmap for the Future: Sustainability and Digitalization
The report also outlines expectations for 2025. It is anticipated that the sector will continue to develop in areas such as environmentally friendly concrete use, digitalization, energy efficiency, and the circular economy. THBB continues its efforts toward safe and sustainable construction practices.
