Cement usage dips; to rebound by 2009

The serious cement shortages of the past few years really are yesterday's news. Burdened by the hard correction in the housing market, cement consumption has weakened in 2007, according to the most recent forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA). Cement consumption this year is expected to fall 4.4 percent lower than 2006 levels. According to PCA Chief Economist Ed Sullivan, however, the decline will be temporary, with a 2.2 percent cement consumption gain anticipated for 2008. "Sustained growth in cement consumption normally occurs when all three sectors of construction--residential, nonresidential, and public--are thriving," Sullivan said. "With the current gain trends in nonresidential and public and most regional residential markets expected to back to track by 2009, we anticipate the onset of a period of continued growth to start that year." Your comment?