Once again this season, strong demand for cement is resulting in tight supplies in some areas of the country, according to a report released by the Portland Cement Association. PCA’s May 2005 survey of cement suppliers found that 23 states report tight supplies. “Because mortgage rates have remained near historic lows, home building continues to be very strong,” says PCA chief economist Ed Sullivan in a press release from the trade group. “In addition, nonresidential and public construction is also expected to increase as the economy improves.” Last year was a record year for cement consumption in the United States, and demand so far this year is even more intense. U.S. cement consumption grew to 119.9 million metric tons in 2004, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2003. Through the first quarter of 2005, U.S. cement consumption has increased 7 percent over 2004 levels. Cement is being imported to meet demand. Cement suppliers increased import tonnage by 17 percent to 27.5 million metric tons during 2004 and are on a pace to import 32 million tons this year. PCA predicts that imports will top 25 percent of total U.S. consumption from 2005 through 2007. The PCA Web site can be found at www.cement.org.
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