Cement production in Venezuela grew by 12% in 1Q14 following contraction in 2013. The figure was stated during a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Wilmer Barrientos, and the President of the Central Bank of Venezuela, Nelson Merentes. The meeting included discussion about further measures that could be taken to enhance the country’s industrial sector.
According to local press, state production of cement declined by 17.9% in 4Q13. Domestic demand for the material continues to rise as the country carries out its housing initiative ‘La Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela’.
Production of grey cement increased by 10.2% y/y in Colombia, according to statistics released by DANE. Domestic sales volumes also improved by 11.7% y/y during the month.
Cement dispatches increased in Peru in the first two months of 2014, while the country’s manufacturing, construction and mining sectors continued to grow in January.