Cement prices in El Salvador rose by 18.5 per cent YoY to US$8.49 per 42.5kg bag in February 2013, according to CASALCO, the Salvadorian Chamber of the Construction Industry.

The rise in cement prices has affected the growth of the construction sector, according to the organisation. “The increase in cement prices has had a direct impact on all construction costs,” said Carlos Guerrero, CASALCO president.

Cement consumption in the first three months of 2013 decreased 9.1% to 6506 bags from 7156 bags the previous year’s first quarter.