World Cement Consumption Growth Expected to Continue

Led by an expected 10 percent growth in China, worldwide Portland cement consumption will increase 5.5 percent this year followed by a rise of 6.9 percent in 2008 – an average of nearly 160 million metric tons annually – according to a Flash Report issued by PCA last week.

The international report cites robust growth conditions in emerging and transitional economies, such as those in South America, Eastern Europe and Asia. China continues to play a critical role in consumption trends, accounting for more than 45 percent of the world’s cement consumption.

The report predicts the world economy will increase 3.11 percent in 2007, with a 2.94 percent increase expected in 2008.