Bolivian cement sales continued their upward trend with deliveries to September increasing 8.52 per cent to more than 2Mt, according to the Bolivian Institute of Cement and Concrete (IBCH).

Domestic cement plants registered an increase of 5.47 per cent, but imports also noted a rise of 4.72 per cent. Insumos Bolivia imported 23,000t of cement in the first nine months of last year. This year, the figure increased to 24,100t. In addition, smaller companies imported 58,700t. “Imports have become an important figure,” said Marcelo Alfaro, IBCH manager.

Geographically-speaking, Santa Cruz continues to be the largest consumer, with 617,815t up to September, La Paz purchased 493,392t, Cochabamba 374,023t and Chuquisaca, 132,259t. La Paz noted the biggest rise in demand with 8.13 per cent, followed by Chuquisaca at 8.13 per cent and Santa Cruz at 7.37 per cent.

According to IBCH projections, by the end of 2012, cement sales are expected to note a 10 per cent YoY increase, rising further by 12 per cent in 2013.