SKOKIE, Ill.—The ongoing correction to the residential market will continue to adversely impact construction activity and cement consumption in 2007, according to the most recent forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA). Despite a strong performance in the commercial and public sectors early in 2007, the decline in cement consumption this year could exceed three percent, says PCA.

PCA’s spring forecast had predicted a 1.5 percent decline in cement use.

PCA Chief Economist Ed Sullivan reports that record housing foreclosures will worsen the housing inventory situation and prolong the downturn in new construction activity in this sector.  He believes the recent use of exotic and sub-term mortgages are a primary contributor to the high foreclosure rate as well as a drag on consumer spending.

“As these mortgages reset, consumers are being faced with monthly payments that increased as much as 50 percent,” Sullivan said. “Coupled with record fuel prices, consumers are likely to use credit card debit to maintain their standard of living, and this will lead to a deteriorating credit quality and overall slower economic growth.”

Sullivan expects the slowdown to extend to the nonresidential sector, although not until the second half of the year. Year-to-date nonresidential construction in 2007 has grown 17.7 percent, but Sullivan anticipates momentum to be lost as with the reduction in growth. 

With the decline in cement consumption, a reduction of cement imports is also expected.

“A large pull back in imports is materializing,” Sullivan said. “Compared to the strong import levels in 2006, increased freight rates and pessimism regarding 2007 consumption could lead to a 5 to 6 million ton reduction in imports compared to 2006 levels.”

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.

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Note to editors: To obtain a copy of PCA’s Forecast contact Patti Flesher at newsroom@cement.org.