Cement sales in Cyprus fell 10 per cent from January to May compared to the same period a year ago to 170,684t, Cystat, the country’s statistical service, said.

In May alone, there was a two per cent drop to 38,053t compared to the same month last year, Cystat said in a statement on its website.

Cyprus’ prolonged economic recession has led to continuous declines in domestic cement demand since 2008 when consumption had reached 1.92Mt. In 2014 demand is expected to have fallen to 0.44Mt – some 77 per cent down on the 2008 figure.