The latest edition of The Monitor, a monthly analysis of trends in the U.S. construction and cement industries published by the Portland Cement Association, suggests PCA’s recently released 2004-2005 forecast of cement consumption by state may come in stronger than expected.

PCA will release its Spring 2004 National Cement and Construction Outlook at the association’s Board Meeting in late April.

Key statistics from The Monitor:

• Portland cement consumption finished the year on a real high note and reported the two best months of the year going in to and coming out of the fourth quarter.
  • The 18% increase in December was the strongest increase for 2003.
  • 2003 tonnage finished the year up 3.7 % at 107.6 million metric tons.
• Blended cement consumption declined for much of 2003.
  • The U.S. consumed 1.478 million metric tons in 2003, a decline of 6.1% against 2002.
• Masonry cement consumption finished the year strong.
  • Consumption increased 24.7% in December
  • The U.S. consumed 4.750 million metric tons, an increase of 7.1% over 2002.
• Cement and clinker imports continued to advance in October and November; year-to-date imports are now only 5.4% below 2002 levels.

Reflecting on the latest data from several government-issued reports including the U.S. Geological Survey, The Monitor breaks down national economic trends, reports on cement consumption, and provides an in-depth analysis of construction activity for the residential, commercial, and public sectors.

The Monitor is available to PCA members and the media upon request.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.