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| Highway construction and government buildings will increase cement consumption in 2006 After record-breaking cement consumption in 2004 and 2005, Skokie-based the Portland Cement Association representing cement companies in the United States and Canada, 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. An average annual increase of 2.5 percent is projected through 2009. Driving the demand for cement and concrete products will be an increase in commercial and public construction. After several years of decline, 2006 nonresidential construction and public construction are expected to increase 7 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively, over 2005 levels. New industrial and office buildings, hospitals, and water supply systems will be the some of the key growth markets. These increases will offset an expected 2.2 percent decline in residential construction caused by a less favorable homebuilder market as mortgage rates rise and single-family starts decline. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |