Addressing delegates at the 8th Petrocem international cement conference and exhibition organised in Russia, Mikhail Skorokhod, President, Eurocement Group, indicated the emergence of a modern and more efficient cement industry. The cement consumption in the Customs Union countries climbed by 8 per cent to 81 mt in 2013, of which Russia alone accounted for some 69 mt. He said that the Russian market will enjoy sustained growth, quoting a recent study by McKinsey, which sees demand rising to 103 mt by 2020.
He however warned that if supply reaches 107 mtpa over the same period, the industry might be in a state of over supply.
Also addressing the 500 delegates in attendance at this conference were Ken Coppenholle, Chief Executive of Cembureau, European Cement Association; Martin Schneider of the German cement association, VDZ; and a range of speakers representing cement producers throughout Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.