South Africa: Cement sales up 7.7% in 2015

Consumption of cement in South Africa rose by 7.7 per cent YoY in 2015 following a drop in sales the previous year.

According to figures released by PPC, volumes reached 13Mt in 2015 thanks to strong demand from the construction sector. Responding to the news, Business Day pointed to the positive impact from projects to build new power stations and hydroelectric plants.

Sales grew fastest in 1Q15, when they were up 15.6 per cent YoY. Growth in Q2 was slower at 1.5 per cent, with volumes still down on 2013 levels. However, 3Q and 4Q sales both grew at more than seven per cent.

Including imports, the South African economy consumed 13.8Mt of cement in 2015, up 3.1 per cent on 2014.