Central and South America: cement statistics and a mega-construction project

Puerto Rico

The Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico has released its Economic Activity Index (GDB-EAI) for May 2014. According to the index, some 1.25 million bags of cement were sold during the month, down 10.8% y/y. Cement sales also declined in year-to-date FY2014 when compared with the same period in FY2013, dropping by 14.2% y/y.

Nicaragua

Following commission approval, the route for the Grand Canal of Nicaragua was announced this week. The canal will run from Punta Gorda on the Caribbean coast to the mouth of the Brito River on the Pacific coast. It will travel across Lake Nicaragua, but project engineers HKND have made assurances that it will not affect the lake’s level. The group has also reconfirmed its commitment to reducing environmental impact. The canal will reportedly cover 278 km, with a depth of 27.6 m and a width of 230 – 520 m. The US$40 billion project is expected to stimulate the local economy and create jobs in the region.

Argentina

According to the AFCP, Argentina’s cement association, its members dispatched 911 497 t of cement in June 2014 (including exports). This is approximately 1.9% lower than in May 2014 and 2.1% less than in June 2013.

When considering domestic consumption only (including imports), volumes dropped by 2.5% m/m and 1.8% y/y to come in at 896 860 t.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/11072014/cement_statistics_argentina_puerto_rico_and_canal_route_for_nicaragua_72/