Thanks to public works and possible restocking, the construction material market was stronger than expected in 2013, according to
Overall, sales of materials in volume fell 0.2% from 493.5 million tonnes in 2012. Aggregates grew 1.8% from 360 million tonnes in 2012 while ready-to-pour concrete fell 1.8% from 39.4 million m³. Cement dropped 3.1% from 20 million tonnes; bricks dropped 7.8% from 2.2 million tonnes and tiles fell 2.9% to 2.2 million tonnes.
For 2014, the situation is not yet clear, although new construction was down 6.2% over the 12 months ending 30 November, 2013 and construction permit numbers continue to drop. Public works only fell 1.4% over the 11 months ending 30 November, 2013 but municipal elections are likely to slow projects.
That said, wholesalers have a brighter outlook, according to Unicem.
