Rising energy costs are forcing UK construction firms to increasingly import bricks from overseas, despite the country’s long-established brickmaking industry. Industry experts attribute the shift to the high and unpredictable price of energy, which affects the efficiency and viability of domestic brick manufacturing.
The UK currently operates around 50 brickworks, predominantly run by companies such as Ibstock, Forterra, and Wienerberger. However, production has sharply declined compared to previous decades. Annual UK brick output dropped from 6.5 to 7 billion in the late 1960s and early 1970s to approximately 1.3 billion bricks by 2024. Recent government data show brick imports rising almost 12 percent to 352 million bricks in the last year, making up about 20 percent of the domestic market.
Brickmakers report that fluctuating demand and soaring energy expenses have forced kilns to be frequently switched on and off, resulting in increased costs and reduced reliability for builders. For example, a British-manufactured Ibstock Alderley Mixture red multi wirecut brick is marketed at about 95p per brick, or £950 per 1,000, while a similar product imported from the EU sells for approximately £720 per 1,000—a price difference that can save builders thousands on the material needed for a typical three-bedroom house.
Nicholas Boys Smith, founder and chairman of Create Streets, described the situation as a “catastrophe,” warning that ongoing challenges including high energy prices and stricter sustainability requirements threaten the future of the UK’s brick industry. Some factories have already ceased operations, and experts caution the problem could worsen without intervention.
The government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029—a goal that would require an estimated 15 billion bricks. In support of domestic manufacturing, Chancellor John Healey recently directed government agencies to prioritize purchasing British-made products. Meanwhile, some MPs have advocated legislation to promote the use of UK-produced bricks in construction projects, citing their durability and environmental advantages over imported alternatives.
Labour MP Gareth Snell emphasized that British bricks can last up to 200 years, making them a more sustainable choice compared to imported bricks or timber with shorter lifespans. Adam Jogee, another Labour MP, has introduced a private member’s bill aimed at encouraging government spending to support British businesses and jobs.
Industry representatives are calling on the government to reduce industrial energy costs to sustain brick production. Ian Hodgkinson, a construction consultant and former project manager on a popular home improvement show, highlighted that the brickmaking process requires continuous kilns operating at temperatures around 1,000°C, demanding large amounts of energy. He noted that cheaper energy prices in countries like Germany and the Netherlands allow their brick manufacturers to operate more efficiently, putting UK producers at a disadvantage.
According to Trades Union Congress figures, an average industrial brick factory in Britain may spend between £1.2 million and £2.5 million annually on energy. Hodgkinson stressed the need for an affordable, reliable energy strategy as manufacturers invest in cleaner technologies, including hydrogen trials and lower-carbon production methods.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that the majority of bricks used in UK housebuilding are domestically produced and reiterated support for British brick manufacturing, pointing to the country’s substantial domestic output compared to imports. However, industry voices maintain that without addressing energy costs and supply chain issues, the UK’s brick sector faces significant challenges as housebuilding targets increase.