Paraguay’s cement sales pick up in July-August

Cement sales in Paraguay increased in July and August, even before the reactivation of public works. In fact, the two months were the first in the year in which Industria Nacional de Cemento had no financial deficit due to the increased commercial activity. A combination of increased output and the recovery of several major customers helped to boost the state-owned firm’s takings.

Nevertheless, it is expected that the cumulative loss of the cement producer will stand at around PYG24bn (US$5.4m) by the end of the year.

According to INC data, average monthly cement sales recorded in 1H2012 were around PYG26.468m while for July these jumped to PYG38.46m and rose further in August to reach PYG42.363m.