Taiwan cement consumption has been holding relatively firm since 2010 and despite a slight dip last year, is expected to show a steady performance in the years ahead. To increase capacity utilisation rates in a country with plenty of overcapacity, local producers have exported sizeable volumes. A better construction and investment outlook also offer plenty of optimism. By Chris Pei, Taiwan Cement Manufacturers' Association.

In 2012 cement demand in Taiwan was 12.034Mt, declining by a marginal 2.5 per cent YoY compared to 12.34Mt the year before. Per capita consumption fell by 15kg YoY in 2012 to 516kg. Going forward, cement consumption is expected to remain relatively stable this year compared with 2012.