Grey cement production and domestic sales
The latest figures from DANE indicate continued growth for Colombia’s cement industry. In June 2014, production of grey cement increased by 11.5% y/y to 981 500 t, while domestic dispatches improved by 6.2% y/y to reach 918 600 t.
In 1H14, grey cement production came in at 5.9 million t. This is 12.4% higher than the corresponding period in 2013. Sales on Colombia’s national market also grew, rising by 11.2% y/y to 5.69 million t.
For the 12 months to June 2014, DANE has reported domestic sales volumes of approximately 11.44 million t, up 9.8% y/y. Meanwhile, production increased by 10.5% y/y to 11.9 million t.
Regional markets
Across 21 of the districts analysed in Colombia, 19 registered y/y growth in cement dispatches in the 12 months to June 2014.
In June 2014 alone, cement dispatches declined in Bogotá (-8.4%) and Córdoba (-29.4%) when compared to June 2013. However, Antioquia (19.2%), Cundinamarca (22.9%), North Santander (44.3%) and Atlántico (15.4%) experienced an increase in dispatches of grey cement. In 1H14, Antioquia (16.7%), Cundinamarca (20.4%), North Santander (50.2%), Bogotá (4.7%), Magdalena (30.8%) and Huila (24%) saw a rise in dispatches compared to the first six months of 2013, however Córdoba recorded a fall of 31.1% y/y.
Adapted from DANE press release by Louise Fordham