US cement consumption set to grow

Cement consumption in the US is forecast to rise 8% year-on-year to 93 million tonnes in 2015 as growing job markets, greater consumer confidence, and higher construction spending take effect, says the Portland Cement Association (PCA).

The PCA believes low oil prices will provide an added financial stimulus to consumers and contractors, but warns that immediate cutbacks in the oil field are expected to offset any long-term gains in construction activity.

The Association expects housing starts to rise

Global cement consumption is expected to grow throughout 2015 and continue throughout the next year, but at the slower rate than in the past.

A report released by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) indicates that cement consumption among developed economies increased by roughly 9.2 million tonnes in 2014, followed by another 9 million tonne increase in 2015.

“Most of the gains in developed world cement consumption is attributed to North America,” said Edward J. Sullivan, chief economist and group

Despite volatility in equity markets and concerns about global growth conditions, Portland Cement Association (PCA) expects US cement consumption to increase by 5% by the end of 2015.

PCA Chief Economist and Group Vice President Edward Sullivan said “the fundamentals in the United States are sound and should support sustained growth in construction activity.”

The US economy is characterised by steady and strong gains in net job creation, low inflation, low interest rates, improving business and consum