Morocco July sales see 42% hike

Cement sales in Morocco increased 42 per cent in July, jumping to 1.2Mt, when compared with the year-ago period.

The rise in sales has been attributed to “the resumption of self-construction, which represents 40 per cent of national demand, encouraged by the massive influx of Moroccans residing abroad,” according to L’Economiste. In addition, a revival in the public works, particularly road projects in Casablanca, is key to the pick-up in demand.

The Casablanca-Settat market absorbed 272,412t, noting a rise of 43.45 per cent YoY, while Rabat-Salé-Kénitra consumed 167,223t (+45.65 per cent) and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Houceima reported a 47.63 per cent increase to 151,705t. Marrakech-Safi noted a 43.83 per cent advance to 148,985t, ahead of Agadir’s 112,975t (+63.94 per cent). Even in the Oriental region and Fes-Meknes, sales growth was substantial, with a 33.67 per cent and a 29.93 per cent increase, respectively. Dakhla-Oued Eddahab achieved the lowest volume (8661t) with an increase of 71.48 per cent.

The positive July figures hep mitigate the 10 per cent decline in sales noted in the first half of 2017. As result of buoyant sales in July, demand in the first seven months is 7.97Mt, only four per cent less than in 7M17.