Cement consumption drops 15% since the beginning of year
November 22, 2010
Cement consumption continues its fall. With 21 million tonnes, registered in the period from January to October 2010, it has experienced a decline of 14.8% in comparison with the same period of the previous year, according to data provided by the Spain - Oficemen cement manufacturers association.
"Per capita consumption is, currently, about 560 kgs per year, a rate far from what could be considered a normal situation in the Mediterranean countries of the EU and that puts us at 1987 levels," says the entity.
Spanish cement plants have had to adjust their production and are trying to absorb part of the fall of domestic demand with exports. Thus, until last October Spanish factories have sold on international markets 3.2 million tonnes, representing an increase of 33.2% compared to the same period of 2009. For its part, imports decrease a 25.3% and stands at 1.8 million tonnes.