German cement consumption rose by 0.4 per cent in 2018 to 29Mt, according to a statement by Germany's cement association, the VDZ. The VDZ sees the industry continuing in a stable environment for 2019-20.

According to the official data now available, domestic demand for cement was almost completely covered by German-based manufacturers in 2018. Only 1.5Mt or 5.3 per cent of the cement required had to be imported in 2018. In contrast, cement exports rose by 1.5 per cent, according to the Federal Statistical Office, to approximately 6.3Mt.

"There has been an upward trend on the German cement market for four years now, thanks in particular to the positive development in the apartment block sector," explained VDZ President, Christian Knell. Last year 120,000t more cement were used than in 2017. "This means that growth has declined significantly compared to previous years, but given the tight capacities along the construction value chain, this is hardly surprising," he said.

"Because the construction industry is currently still able to increase employment, we expect cement consumption to also increase slightly in 2019," added Mr Knell. In addition, construction demand remains high. The slight decrease in planning permissions is likely to be offset by high order backlogs and projects that have not yet started, said the VDZ.

A total of 15 German cement manufacturers, with 46 cement plants, are members of VDZ. The industry as a whole generates an annual turnover of around EUR2.8bn and employs approximately 8100 people in Germany.