According to the Spring Forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA), cement consumption should increase 3% in 2005 and to another record level of 123.4 million metric tons. The forecast includes an improved determination of cement intensities, a term which refers to tons of cement per dollar of construction activity.
"The underpinnings of U.S. economic growth are solid and will translate into 3.3% to 4% growth rates in GDP for 2005 and 2006," predicted PCA Chief Economist Ed Sullivan. "Even in the context of rising interest rates, sustained oil prices, an oversized federal budget and trade deficit, and continued upward pressure on commodity prices, the general economic picture is expected to result in sustained growth in overall U.S. construction."
The favorable competitive position of concrete relative to steel is likely to continue. That scenario, coupled with advantageous construction mix changes, suggests that overall cement intensity will experience moderate growth.
