The value of imports of construction materials to Algeria increased year-on-year by 7% in the first eight months of 2014 to US$2.25 billion from $2.11 billion in 2013.
In terms of volume, the amount of material imported by the North African nation increased 13.7% to 7.1 million tonnes. Imports of concrete reinforcing bars accounted for the largest segment in terms of value (worth $1.2 billion - a 3.3% drop), with volume remaining the same at 2.01 million tonnes.
In further figures by individual material category, the value of wood imported increased by 20.4% to $588 million, while the volume increased by 7.8% to reach 1.03 million tonnes. Cement imports increased in value to $373.5 million, a 31% increase, with volume increasing by 28% to 4 million tonnes. The Government plans to phase out cement imports in the next three to four years thanks to an increase in local production, with around 10 new cement works projects beginning in 2014. Current annual cement production in Algeria is around 18 million tonnes, with the Government aiming for 20 million tonnes in 2016 and 29 million tonnes in 2018.
