Philippine first-quarter cement sales up 9.6%

Philippine cement sales grew 9.6 per cent in the first quarter from a year ago to 5.7Mt, latest statistics from the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) show.

Growth was attributed to demand from projects being undertaken by the public and private sectors.
CeMAP president Ernesto Ordoñez said  public sector spending, particularly that of the Department of Public Works and Highways increased. Private sector spending also improved because of growing confidence in the country.

“In addition, Holy Week when growth is slow, did not happen the first quarter this year but in April in the second quarter. This increased growth compared to last year. Last year, it was March in the first quarter which slowed last year’s potential growth,” Ordoñez said.

Earlier, he said the CeMAP expects increased the construction activity in the country to support higher cement sales this year. The government has been increasing the budget for infrastructure to address gaps and support economic growth. The private sector is also undertaking construction activities to meet demand for homes and offices.

The country’s total cement sales reached 21.305Mt in 2014, up by 9.6 per cent from 19.445Mt in 2013.