Source: Portland Cement Association

Canadian portland cement consumption declined 2.3 percent in 2008, according to year-end figures released last month by PCA. Canadian cement use totaled 9.4 million metric tons for the year, down from 2007 figures of 9.6 million tons. The use of SCMs was up 14.1 percent.

Reflecting declining construction in the U.S., cement exports from Canada fell 23.7 percent, from 5.5 million tons in 2007 to 4.2 million tons in 2008. Only two regions recorded increases in consumption. Atlantic Provinces was up 13.1 percent, and Quebec rose 1.6 percent. Ontario (down 1.8 percent), Prairie Provinces ( down 6.3 percent), and British Columbia (down 7.4 percent) logged declines.