Rosstat reports that cement consumption in Russia was down 17% in 2009

Russian statistic analyst Rosstat has reported that demand for cement in Russia was down 17% at 44.3million tonnes during 2009, compared with the previous 12 months. The organisation said that Russian producers manufactured 43.9million tonnes, of which 1.4million tonnes was exported. A further 1million tonnes was imported into Russia last year.

Rosstat reports that the country’s largest producer is Eurocement, which had a steady production volume in 2008 and 2009, with a 35% market share. The second largest producer is Novorocement followed by Vita-Line (Mordovcement) and Sebryakovcement.

Competition in the Russian cement market is expected to intensify in 2010 with the opening of several new dry-process cement plants. Market analysts have suggested that demand will remain at 2009 levels.