Cement sales surge 11% in H1

MANILA, Philippines - Cement sales surged in the first six months of the year behind robust construction activities in the country, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) said.

In a text message yesterday, CeMAP president Ernesto Ordoñez said total cement sales rose 11.1 percent to 11.91 million tons in the first half of the year from 10.72 million tons in the same period in 2014.

Ordoñez said construction activity remained strong in the first semester, fueled primarily by the growing business confidence in the country.  

“As shown in the President’s speech yesterday (Monday), there are very good signs due to good governance,” Ordoñez said.

“Weather was also, exceptionally good (in the first half). There were some rains but generally weather cooperated very well,” he added.

For the second quarter alone, CeMAP said cement sales reached 6.21 million tons, 12.5 percent higher than the previous year’s 5.52 million tons.

 “In the first quarter, cement sales grew only 9.6 percent. In the second quarter, it was 12.5 percent. It was because government accelerated its spending in the second quarter,” Ordoñez said.

The government, for its part, has been increasing the budget for infrastructure to address gaps and support economic growth

CeMAP is banking on the increase of construction activities in the country to support higher cement sales.

Last year, total cement sales reached 21.305 million tons, 9.6 percent higher compared to 19.445 million tons recorded in 2013.

CeMAP consists of the following firms: Cemex Philippines Group of Companies, Holcim Philippines Inc., Lafarge Associated Companies, Northern Cement Corp., Pacific Cement Philippines Inc. and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc.