Global consumption of cement grew 9.9 per cent last year to continue a strong rebound in demand as construction worldwide picks up since the economic downturn of 2008. As per a report, 3,294 million tonne of cement were sold, topping the 2,998 million tonne sold in 2009, a growth rate of 5.9 per cent, strongly reversing a slowdown of 2.4 per cent the previous year. Worldwide cement consumption is forecast to reach a record 3,859 million tonne by 2012. The report provides statistics for demand for the commodity in more than 160 countries, along with additional data for clinker consumption. China dominates world cement statistics, results show consuming more than a third of global output – or 1,851 million tonne – in 2010, almost double the 2004 levels. India, the closest rival to China for economic growth is the second-largest consumer at 212 million tonne, with the US, the third-largest consumer, saw demand fall down to 69 million tonne.