According to the AFCP, Argentina’s Portland cement producers dispatched 905 306 t of cement in December 2014, including exports. This is 10.4% lower than the volumes dispatched in November 2014 and also represents a decline of 2.4% y/y.
In terms of domestic consumption, AFCP-associated companies dispatched 892 313 t of cement during the month, including imports. This is down 10.4% on November 2014 and 2.5% on December 2013.
Local press reports indicate that construction activity in Argentina declined by 0.4% y/y in 2014. Construction activity in December 2014 fell by 9.8% m/m but improved by 0.3% y/y.
According to Venezuelan minister Ricardo Molina, cement output is expected to rise from 7 million tpy to 9 million tpy in 2015, and reach 12 million tpy by 2017.