Russian cement production could grow by 15%

According to forecasts by 3117 Soyuzcement (the Russian cement producers organisation) cement production may grow by 15% in Russia in 2011.

In 2010, according to preliminary estimates, cement output will increase to 50.4 million tonnes as against 44.3 million tonnes in the previous year.

Local cement plants are capable of producing 78 million tonnes of cement per year, and in 2011-2012 potential output could reach 85 million tonnes.

However, demand will reach only 49 million tonnes in 2010. The Russian government plans to increase the volume of housing construction, which will enhance the cement plants' capacity utilisation.

Construction of 100 million m² of housing planned for 2016 would require about 90 million tonnes of cement.

In coming years, capacities of the cement industry will be also loaded due to construction in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where work is underway on roads and facilities for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.