Positive outlook on cement sector in the Philippines

As a result of positive first half results and encouraging signs for strong demand in the second half of the year, cement sales in the Philippines may increase faster than the predicted rate of 4 – 6%.

Sales over the first half of 2010 were up approximately 12% compared to last year’s figure. Ernesto M. Ordonez, President of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) commented, "a lot of this was due to the elections. [Officials] put their projects in the first quarter [in order to beat the election ban]."

With severe storms expected towards the end of the year, necessary repair and maintenance work could subsequently increase sales of the product. Ordonez continued, "we don’t think [full year growth] will be 12% like the first half’s, but the 6% forecast could increase if typhoons hit again." In comparison with last year’s figures, the nation could see sales of over 15.9 million t.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/13082010/positive_outlook_on_the_cement_sector_in_the_philippines/