Spain: 2014 forecast to close with cement consumption in line with 2013

In November, domestic cement consumption in Spain came in at 902 312 t, up 2.7% y/y. Total consumption for the first 11 months of the year was more or less in line with 2013, falling 0.3% y/y to just over 10 million t.

According to Oficemen, 2014 is expected to close with similar levels of cement consumption as 2013, at under 11 million t. Consumption per capita is forecast to reach 231 kg. This figure, which differs little from 2013, is similar to the low consumption levels experienced back in 1962. Oficemen has predicted that this trend of historic lows may reverse slightly in 2015, although not by much, with growth of 5% expected. Isidoro Miranda, Oficemen President, noted that a country like Spain should be seeing an average consumption level of around 25 million t, a volume not expected to be reached until 2022.

In Cataluña, cement consumption increased by 10.2% y/y in November but declined by 11.6% y/y in January – November 2014. Conversely, cement production in the region dropped by 0.4% y/y in November but improved by 20.9% y/y in the first 11 months of 2014. According to figures released by Ciment Català, exports of cement and clinker continued to boom, rising by 58.8% y/y in November alone and by 92.2% y/y in the year to November.

Adapted from press releases by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/22122014/spanish-cement-consumption-levels-expected-to-be-in-line-with-2013-56/