Cement sector resumes growth

The Brazilian union of the cement industry SNIC (Sindicato Nacional da Industria do Cimento) expects a 2% increase in 2004 over an 11% fall in 2003. The sector has been falling since 2001 and reported an 1.9% decrease in the Q1 2004 (Jan-Mar) jumping to a 24.2% increase in March over February and a 12.4% raise over March 2003. SNIC estimates an 1% drop between January and April 2004. The overall 54 plants have operated with a 50% idle capacity (less than 34mil m tons) over a total capacity of 62Mta. The consumption per capita in Brazil reaches less than 180kg in comparison to 230kg in 1999.