In March 2014, Argentine Portland cement plants dispatched 910 954 t of cement (including exports), around 13.5% higher than the preceding month of February 2014. However, compared to March 2013, dispatches fell by 3% y/y. Members of Argentina’s Association of Portland Cement Manufacturers dispatched 898 807 t of cement on the domestic market. This represents an increase of 14.7% m/m but a decline of 1.8% y/y.
Construction figures
According to the Indice Construya, the sale of construction materials to the private sector grew by 7.11% m/m in March in Argentina. In comparison to the corresponding month in 2013, March volumes improved by 0.1% y/y. In January – March 2014, sales increased by 8% y/y.
Cementos Pacasmayo receives the first equipment shipments for its new Piura cement plant, while the company’s phosphate project receives approval for an environmental impact study.
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.