Contract warning as Belgian cement prices continue to climb

The price of cement and bricks in Belgium will continue to rise over the coming months, warned the country’s construction federation Embuild. Although some building materials are expected to see their prices stabilise going forward, Embuild is advising construction companies to continue to include price review clauses or daily prices in their contracts as “the materials market is still too volatile”, says Niko Demeester, managing director of Embuild. 

Since the end of 2021, the price of cement products in Belgium has risen by 35 per cent, while bricks have gone up by 10 per cent. Sand and gravel prices have advanced by 24 per cent, and steel has increased by 3.5 per cent. For 2023, Embuild believes those products that are particularly energy-intensive, particularly cement, will rise even further.

“Given this remarkable situation, we have been recommending for some time to work with a revision clause in every contract that is drawn up, so that these price increases do not fall entirely on the contractor and one can speak of a balanced contract where both parties know where they stand,” advises Mr Demeester.

 Over half of Belgian construction companies have been forced to suspend projects due to problems with supply, the cost of materials, or due to the cancellation of contracts.