Ready-Mix Concrete in Developing Economies: Market Adoption, Barriers and Sustainable Transition Pathways

Abstract

Ready-mix Concrete (RMC) presents a technically and economically superior alternative to conventional site-mixed concrete, yet its adoption across South Asia remains disproportionately low relative to global benchmarks. Despite evidence that RMC delivers higher compressive strength at a lower total project cost, markets in the region continue relying on conventional site-mixing technique. This systematic literature review consolidates evidence on RMC adoption, drivers and barriers across five South Asian economies within unified comparative framework, drawing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025. Three categories of barrier are consistently found throughout the region: a perception and awareness deficit in which clients systematically underestimate RMC’s total cost advantage, logistical constraints, primarily urban traffic congestion which compromise concrete quality during transit, and structural market weakness characterized by high entry costs, regulatory gaps and an unorganized informal sector. Country level analysis reveals that Nepal’s primary barrier is a cost perception paradox, Bangladesh faces quality degradation and trust deficits caused by the transportation, while India struggles with market penetration despite its advanced production capacity. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are identified as priority areas for future empirical research due to the near total absence of peer-reviewed literature. Strategic pathways include low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials, advanced quality assurance mechanisms and supply chain digitalization. The findings provide a consolidated evidence base to guide industry strategy, regulatory reform and future academic inquiry.