Portland Cement Association
PCA Predicts Continued Growth For Cement Through 2004
As the U.S. enters its 116th straight month of economic expansion, the Portland Cement Association projects continued gains in construction and cement use, according to William D. Toal, PCA's Chief Economist. Portland cement consumption is forecast to rise 1.1% in 2000, cement consumption is expected to reach 114.3 million tons.
Toal attributes the cheery outlook to continued high construction levels. While residential building is expected to drop off slightly in the next two years, nonresidential construction is expected to hold steady, and public construction should increase, bolstered by passage of TEA-21 and AIR-21 (federal transportation and airport construction funding bills). Construction overall should dip slightly in 2001 and rebound in 2002.
The outlook for masonry cements is less optimistic. Tied closely to the residential construction market, masonry cement consumption is expected to slip by 1.5% this year, with another small decline in 2001 before recovery begins.
With demand for cement still rising, producers have scrambled to increase supply, both by increasing imports (to 29.3 million tons last year) and initiating expansion programs, including several “green field” plants, which could add up to 27 million tons of new capacity. As new capacity is added, imports are expected to drop to 23.5 million tons next year, with further declines to near 20 million tons by 2004.
A full copy of Toal's “U.S. Construction and Cement Forecast Update” will be published in the next Monitor, a monthly newsletter published by PCA's Economic Research department. For additional copies, contact Karen Arneson at PCA: 847.966.6200, ext 362; or e-mail.
Although months have past since the last World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Concrete Decor magazine would like take this opportunity to acknowledge the loss of an important individual and major contributor to the world of concrete construction, in particular, decorative concrete.
John Beuler, President of SuperStone, Opa Locka, Florida was a leader in the development of quality products that helped shape the industry as we know it today. The Super Stone name is built on John's reputation and goals to deliver the best and most innovative products which, to this day, are backed by a strong educational and customer service program.
On behalf of the industry we offer our sincere wishes and God's peace and understanding in this difficult time for the Beuler family. Life is truly a gift.
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