After record-breaking cement consumption in 2004 and 2005, Portland Cement Association predicts additional increases through 2009. Cement consumption in 2006 is expected to reach more than 130 million metric tons, a 3.7 percent increase from 2005, and average annual increases of 2.5 percent are projected through 2009.
An increase in commercial and public construction will drive demand. After several years of decline, 2006 nonresidential construction and public construction are expected to top 2005 levels. Key growth markets include industrial and office buildings, hospitals, water supply systems and public works projects. These increases will offset an expected decline in residential construction as mortgage rates go up and single-family starts decline.
For more about the Portland Cement Association, visit www.cement.org.
