Increased construction activity following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan in 2011 has led to an increase in cement production. The Japan Times is reporting a 4.1% increase in cement production in 2013 at 61.69 million t, the second consecutive year of growth. This is the highest level since 2008 when cement output was 67.60 million t.
The steel industry has also benefited from the building boom, with a 3.1% increase in crude steel production in 2013, bringing the total output to 110.57 million t, the highest level since 2008.
An increase in consumption tax is expected in April, at which time it is possible demand will fall, but overall prospects remain positive. IA Cement is forecasting 3 – 4% growth in cement demand in 2014 as business confidence grows and commercial construction increases.
IA Cement Ltd outlines its expectations of cement sector growth in Asia and Africa in this abridged article from the January 2014 issue of World Cement.
T. Abbas, Cinar Ltd, UK, examines the future of natural gas and its potential within the cement industry in this article, serialized in three parts, which first appeared in the November 2013 issue of World Cement.
Philippe Fonta, of the WBCSD Cement Sustainability Initiative, provides results from the Getting the Numbers Right programme that show the cement industry is reducing its CO2 emissions.
The Japanese cement industry reports temporary stoppage at sites, whilst general confusion remains in the country. Demand for cement and other construction materials is likely to rise as Japan begins rebuilding efforts.