Cement sales in Cyprus rose 14.8 per cent year-on-year reaching 398,200t in the first quarter of 2005, according to data published by the island’s National Statistics Service on April 12, 2005. Cement sales rose by 36 per cent and 17 per cent in January and in February 2005, respectively, compared to the same months of 2004, largely due to the favourable weather conditions. Cyprus’ March 2005 cement sales grew to 150,700t versus 149,900t in March 2004. Despite the increase in cement sales, representatives of local construction companies expressed concern with the slow down in the construction activities on the island in 2005.