Holcim Apasco: cement consumption in Mexico expanded 3.5% in 2012

Holcim’s Mexican arm, Holcim Apasco, estimates that cement demand in the country grew 3.5 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. The cement major said the increase in consumption, which reached 35Mt last year, was driven by stronger growth in the infrastructure segment, moderate expansion in self-build housing as well as the construction of industrial buildings, offices and shopping centres.

Gustavo Gastelum, the company’s director of external relations and communications, said that recent years had seen a sustained recovery of cement consumption after falling in 2H08 and 2009. He explained that according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) activity in the building sector reported a growth of over three per cent in 9M2012.

"There is a positive development in the infrastructure sector, but we are challenged to increase economic growth and create jobs, to boost infrastructure projects and housing for millions of Mexicans," he added.