Mexican cement consumption is expected to reach 43Mt in 2017, representing a three per cent YoY decrease when compared with 2016, according to the National Chamber of Cement (CNC). The fall is the first since 2013.

The market contraction has been attributed to a weak construction sector and the uncertainty around the NAFTA negotiations.

Cement companies were also at the centre of controversy as they increased prices by a total of 10.18 per cent by November, the highest level in a decade. In the case of Cemex, the increase was more than 15 per cent. "There were adjustments for the issue of inflation at the beginning of the year, which results in an increase in prices. The important thing is that there were no increases expected in the middle of the year, "said Gustavo Arballo, national president of the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry.