Brazilian first-quarter cement sales decline

Cement sales in Brazil reached 16.1Mt in the first quarter of 2013, a decline of 1.9 per cent from the same period of last year, latest data from local association SNIC shows.

The decline in sales confirms a deceleration trend compared to the quarterly expansions seen in 2012 which rose 13.7 per cent, 5.9 per cent, five per and 4.1 per cent in the 1Q-4Q12, respectively.

In March 2013 alone, reached 5.5Mt, down 8.3 per cent YoY.

Cumulative sales for the last 12 months (April 2012 – March 2013) reached 68Mt, an increase of 3.3 per cent over the previous period.