Poland's 1H sales see double-digit decline

Cement sales and ouput in Poland continue to feel the pinch following the completion of construction activity related to the 2012 European Football Championships, as double-digit declines are registered in the first half of this year.

For the six months to the end of June 2013, cement sales in Poland dropped by 22.1 per cent to 5.842Mt, while output was similarly down by 22 per cent to 5.782Mt, latest data by the country's cement association shows.

For the month of June alone, cement sales fell by 7.4 per cent YoY to 1.491Mt, while production totalled 1.546Mt – a fall of 5.9 per cent on the year.

After an exceptionally-strong 2011 due to work being pushed forward to be ready for the Euro 2012 football championship, a softening of market conditions was expected in 2012-13. However, a modest recovery is expected from next year and the medium-term prospects remain good for the Polish market given the need for infrastructure investment.