The September Canadian edition of The Monitor, a monthly analysis of trends in the construction and cement industries published by the Portland Cement Association, reports that Canadian provinces directly linked to U.S. manufactured goods are expected to see an improvement in export activity beginning in the second half of 2003. Export growth should reach 2.6% in 2004 compared to a 2% decline in 2003.

The bullish summer for cement consumption has led PCA to boost its 2003 estimate for cement consumption to 8.9 million tonnes, reflecting a gain of 5.2% over 2002 levels. The lower than expected mortgage rate environment has added fuel to 2003 housing starts and has undoubtedly played a significant role in determining the recent strength in cement demand. Strong oil prices have provided a significant economic boost to energy dependent provinces—resulting in stronger construction activity.

During 2004, the strengthening of the export sector, manufacturing, and the economy as a whole, are expected to be offset by modest weaknesses in residential and energy related construction activity.

Key statistics from the September Canadian edition of The Monitor:

• Portland cement consumption increased 6.5 percent in June; year-to-date consumption is up 3.1 percent.
• Masonry cement consumption increased 15.2 percent in June against last year’s level; year-to-date consumption is up 1.1 percent.
• Portland cement exports for May increased 8.0 percent; year-to-date exports are up 1.2 percent.
• Masonry cement exports jumped a whopping 113 percent in June; year-to-date exports are up 27 percent.

Reflecting on data from several government-issued reports, 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.