PCA forecasts moderate cement consumption growth at 2.3 % in 2019

摘要

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) released its annual Spring Forecast which envisions strong to moderate growth for cement consumption through 2019 and into 2020. PCA Market Intelligence expects cement consumption will grow by 2.3 % in 2019; compared to the fall 2018 forecast this represents a marginal slowing in the pace of growth. "While there are several phenomena that confront the economy in the next two years, PCA believes the economy is strong," said Ed Sullivan, PCA Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. "As interest rates rise, they will steal some strength from economic growth. Private construction growth, being an interest rate sensitive sector, is expected to slow under the weight of higher interest rates. Cement consumption growth will slow as a result." In addition, rising state deficits have forced many states to adjust budgets, reduce costs, and re-prioritize spending. "In the absence of a new near-term infrastructure program, public sector cement consumption is also expected to slow as transportation investment takes a back seat to high state spending priorities," Sullivan said.