Germany: 2014 cement edges ahead

Cement consumption in Germany rose by 2.2 per cent YoY in 2014 to 27.1Mt, according to data German Cement Works Association (VDZ), which also predicts further growth in 2015.

"Significant catch-up effects from 2013 and mild weather really bolstered cement consumption, particularly in the first quarter of 2014," said Gerhard Hirth, President of VDZ. However, the generally reserved economic climate had a dampening effect on construction investment over the rest of the year. "We experienced considerable increases in demand all year, precisely in housing," said Hirth. "In addition, due to the advantages of concrete construction in multi-storey buildings, cement manufacturers have managed to further increase their market share over recent years."

The latest figures show that German cement demand was almost completely covered by domestic manufacturers last year with only 1.2Mt (four per cent) imported to meet local requirements. Exports, meanwhile, fell just under the level of the previous year to 6.2Mt.

Moving into 2015, Mr Hirth is positive on the outlook for the full year. "Due to the dynamic overall economic development and the continuing high demand for new housing, we are expecting growth of around one per cent in cement consumption to approximately 27.3Mt over this year," he said.