Exports support Spanish cement sector as domestic demand dwindles

Spanish cement consumption declined by 3% y/y in 1H14, coming in at 5.2 million t. In June, around 967 790 t was consumed on the domestic market, approximately 20 000 t lower than in the corresponding period in 2013. According to Oficemen’s President, Isidoro Miranda: “We cannot talk about recovery in the sector until consumption figures appropriate for a country like Spain are reached, which should be around 20 or 25 million t, a volume that, given the current level of investment in public works, is impossible to foresee when it will be reached.”

The industry continues to look to export markets to make up for the shortfall in domestic demand. In the first half of this year, export volumes grew 35% y/y to reach 4.97 million t. Oficemen’s Director General, Aniceto Zaragoza, has stressed that electricity costs must remain stable in order for Spain’s cement sector to remain competitive when it comes to exports.

In Cataluña, cement consumption in June alone came in at 112 665 t, down 18% y/y, while consumption in the region in 1H14 fell by 15.8% y/y to 661 194 t. In line with this, cement and clinker imports were down by 33.3% y/y in June and 27% y/y in January – June 2014. However, exports continue to drive the region’s cement production. Exports of cement and clinker grew by 33.1% y/y to 175 191 t in June and by 102.5% y/y in 1H14. This led to a 13.2% rise in production levels in June in Cataluña and a 28.1% y/y increase in the first half of the year.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/15072014/domestic_cement_demand_still_weak_in_spain_but_exports_grow_88/