Monthly cement production rises 6.2%, Colombia

Colombia produced 966,800t of cement in July 2013, up 6.2 per cent YoY, according to the latest data from national statistics office Dane.

In terms of dispatches, a 11.5 per cent rise to 980,500t was reported as construction companies increased  orders by 19.7 per cent and ready-mix concrete firms by 18.5 per cent. Sales to the retail sector also saw a six per cent advance.

During July, Córdoba saw a 45.5 per cent rise in dispatches, closely followed by Norte de Santander (41.2 per cent). Atlántico also reported a greater uptake at 33.7 per cent and Cundinamarca by 21.6 per cent. Antioquia and Valle del Cauca advanced their sales by 12-14 per cent. In contrast, Boyacá and Casanare were the only regions to register falls of 11.5 and 7.2 per cent, respectively.

The latest figure brings the total output for the year to date to 6.2Mt, a 1.6 per cent drop YoY. Dispatches amounted to 6.09Mt, up 0.4 per cent YoY.