Spanish cement consumption down 3% in August 2014

Domestic Spanish cement consumption dropped by 2% y/y in January – August 2014, coming in at 7.1 million t. In the month of August, cement consumption in the country totalled 819 249 t, down 3% y/y. Commenting on the figures, Oficemen’s Director General, Aniceto Zaragoza, highlighted the industry’s continued focus on exports as it attempts to offset the weak domestic market, noting that Spain is one of the leading exporters of cement in the EU.

Earlier this month, the European Commission cleared Cemex and Holcim’s proposed transaction in Spain. The companies intend to combine their cement, aggregates and ready-mix operations, with Cemex holding a 75% stake and Holcim a 25% stake. Holcim notes that the transaction is still subject to negotiation of final binding agreements. This forms part of the two building material producers’ plans to carry out a range of interlinking transactions in Europe, including Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic, as announced last year. In June 2014, the European Commission granted unconditional clearance of Holcim’s proposed acquisition of Cemex West, Germany. Cemex’s acquisition of Holcim’s operations in the Czech Republic was cleared by the country’s competition authorities.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/16092014/cement-consumption-declined-in-spain-august-2014-491/