Fall in cement consumption is one of the worst in Spain’s history

Oficemen has released the full-year cement statistics for 2012, indicating that cement consumption dropped from 20.4 million t in 2011 to 13.5 million t. The 34% y/y fall is worse than anticipated. In terms of percentage decrease, it is one of the largest declines in the history of Spain’s domestic cement market. Cement production also decreased, falling 28.6% from 22.2 million t in 2011 to 15.8 million t in 2012. Imports declined by 50% y/y and cement exports only reached 5.9 million t. The Spanish cement sector has been faced with increased energy costs, which are affecting its export capacity and its ability to compete with cement produced in other countries.

In December 2012 alone, cement consumption levels fell 36.8% y/y 762 671 t, a figure similar to those recorded back in the early 1960s. Cement production also decreased by 29.9% y/y to 919 580 t.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/17012013/cement_spain_oficemen_statistics_2012_consumption_cemento_840/