Peru cement market contracts 3% in June

Cement consumption in Peru fell by three per cent in June, according to the country’s cement producers’ association, Asocem. A rise in exports limited the decline in total cement sales to 2.6 per cent. Output from domestic cement plants decreased by 6.2 per cent.

The lower domestic sales were attributed to a slowdown in public investment, particularly in northern and southern Peru.

"The conditions have not been favourable for the first half of 2015, but the second half is promising. The outlook, for the group of companies associated with Asocem is optimistic for the second part of the year, " Asocem said.

Major roadworks, the construction and rehabilitation of many bridges as well as a US$1108m investment in the Jorge Chávez and other airports are expected to push up cement demand.