German cement consumption increases slightly
to 27.1 million t in 2014
In Germany, approx. 27.1 million t of cement were used in 2014. This represents a 2.2 % increase in consumption as compared with the previous year. The German Cement Works Association (VDZ) is also predicting further growth for 2015.
“Significant catch-up effects from 2013 and mild weather really bolstered cement consumption, particularly in the first quarter of 2014,” said Gerhard Hirth, President of VDZ. However, the generally reserved economic climate had a dampening effect on construction investment over the rest of the year. “We experienced considerable increases in demand all year, specifically in housing,” said Hirth. “In addition, due to the advantages of concrete construction in multi-storey buildings, cement manufacturers have managed to further increase their market share over recent years.”
According to the figures now available, domestic demand for cement was almost completely covered by German manufacturers last year. Just 1.2 million t, or four per cent of the required cement, was imported in 2014. At around 6.2 million t, cement and clinker exports from Germany were just under the level of the previous year.
According to Gerhard Hirth, the German cement industry has started 2015 with a positive outlook. Due to the dynamic overall economic development and the continuing high demand for new housing, the branch is expecting growth of around one per cent in cement consumption to approx. 27.3 million t over this year.
Cement consumption in Germany consists of inland cement deliveries from German cement manufacturers and cement imports. VDZ consults the foreign trade data of the German Federal Statistical Office for its information on the import and export of cement. VDZ comprises 20 German cement manufacturers, with a total of 50 cement works. The sector generates an annual turnover of around 2.3 billion € in Germany, and employs approx. 7600 people.
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