Preliminary data released by SNIC estimates that approximately 5.9 million t of cement was sold on the local Brazilian market in May 2014. This represents a slight decline of 0.7% when compared with May 2013.
Meanwhile, domestic sales volumes improved by 2.8% y/y in January – May 2014, rising from 28 million t to 28.8 million t.
On an accumulated basis, sales of cement on the national market reached 70.7 million over the 12 months to May 2014, up 3.1% y/y.
Holcim Brazil, Votorantim Cimentos and Cimpor have released statements denying CADE’s allegations of price fixing in the cement and concrete market and have reaffirmed plans to contest the ruling.
According to the latest statistics from DANE, domestic cement dispatches and production levels increased by 4.3% and 15.9% y/y, respectively, in April 2014.