2009 rebound PCA forecasts cement consumption rise in the US

US The Portland Cement Association (PCA) says consumption of cement in the US this year will be-4.4% lower than in 2006 due to the sharp fall in residential construction. However, consumption in 2008 is expected to be +2.2% higher than this year, and volumes should be better still in 2009 and beyond.

PCA chief economist Ed Sullivan said, “Sustained growth in cement consumption normally occurs when all three sectors of construction-residential, non-residential and public are thriving. With the current gain trends in non-residential and public and most regional residential markets expected to be back on track by 2009, we anticipate the onset of a period of continued growth to start that year.”

However, the decline in cement consumption this year, compared to 2006 means cement imports into the US are likely to fall in the short term.

“The combination of further expected weakness in the US cement markets, high inventory levels and high freight rates has lead to a significant decline in cement import levels thus far in 2007,” said Mr Sullivan.