The construction materials crisis has been negatively affecting the construction sector in Portugal. Prices for raw materials essential for housing remain high, hampering new construction and property renovation processes. This context creates barriers to access to housing and challenges the sustainability of the sector, putting pressure on governments, companies and families.

Creation of a government working group

In view of this situation, the Portuguese Government has set up a specific working group under the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing. This group includes representatives from key entities: the Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC), the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU), the Institute for Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction (IMPIC), Public Construction, EPE (CP), Association of Civil Construction and Public Works Industrialists (AICCOPN), Association of Building Materials Traders (APCMC) and AEC Cluster – Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

Objectives and mission of the working group

The group's mission is to study and present proposals for the creation of the National Plan for Construction Materials. Within eight working days, the members will be appointed, who will have thirty days to produce a preliminary report and sixty days to complete and submit the final report, containing conclusions and recommendations.

Strategic analysis and identification of solutions

This group will analyse:
  • Survey of the needs of the construction sector
  • Identification of critical construction materials for housing
  • Evaluation of alternative materials (recycled, reusable, environmentally friendly)
  • Mapping of national and international supply chains
  • Analysis of external dependencies and risk of supply disruptions
  • Study of international models and best practices for integration in Portugal
  • Involvement of experts and technical support

The order provides for the collaboration of other experts and invited public or private entities, without voting rights, to enrich the proposals presented. Technical, logistical and administrative support will be provided by the Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, ensuring the efficient functioning of the group.

Justification and impacts of the government measure

The Government justifies the creation of this group due to the upward stabilisation of construction material prices, the need to strengthen housing construction and rehabilitation, and the ambitious public investment plan planned for the coming years. International situations that increase global demand for materials also influence this decision.

National Plan for Construction Materials: Outlook

The National Plan for Construction Materials is intended to be a strategic tool for aligning public policies, industrial interests, and environmental requirements, promoting a more resilient and sustainable construction sector. It is a response to the materials crisis and the structural challenges of the sector, aiming to guarantee access to housing, public investment capacity, and the balanced development of national infrastructure.

Conclusion: challenges and opportunities

With the creation of this group and the definition of the National Plan, Portugal is preparing to face a crisis that requires effective and innovative responses. Only an integrated strategy will ensure sustainability, protection of access to housing and development of the construction sector, in a context of high international pressure and urgent internal needs.

Source: SUPERCASA
General, Real Estate Market, Buy and Sell - Information, Portugal