Algeria notes strong import growth in 1H13

Cement imports into Algeria soared nearly 86 per cent to US$211.59m in the 1H13 when compared with the previous year’s US$113.78m, according to the country’s national statistics office, CNIS.

In terms of volumes, a 93 per cent YoY rise was recorded, from 1.24Mt to 2.393Mt. The figures include clinkers, white and other Portland cements, alumina and hydraulic cements.

The rise in imports has been attributed to a sharp increase in demand as key construction projects were launched. The shortage in domestic production follows several years of low investment in new cement plants, according to news service, Tout sur l’Algeria.