The Colombian cement market continues to grow

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

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/29072014/colombia-continued-growth-for-the-cement-sector-192/