Mexico's CEMEX announced that its consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2003 were US$1.6 billion, representing a 2% increase in dollar terms compared with the same quarter of 2002. The growth was primarily due to the contribution of the company's newly acquired Puerto Rican unit (Puerto Rican Cement), combined with higher volumes in Mexico, Spain, and the Central America and Caribbean operations.

The company's global consolidated cement sales volumes during the quarter were 14.9 million metric tons, up 5% compared with 2002's first quarter, while ready-mix volumes were 28% higher at 5.1 million cu meters.

Cemex's Mexican operations reported net sales of US$633 million in the quarter, a 2% growth. Quarterly domestic cement sales volumes increased 11%, driven by a strong residential sector and public works on infrastructure and highways.

In the United States, net sales were US$350 million, 9% lower than the first quarter of 2002. Quarterly EBITA was 23% lower year-over-year, reaching US$67 million. Cement sales volumes decreased 3% in the quarter due to a soft industrial and commercial sector, lower public spending on infrastructure and highways, and bad weather during February and early March.

LAFARGE NORTH AMERICA reported a first-quarter 2003 net loss of $83.8 million before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, compared with a net loss of $53.3 million in the first quarter of 2002. Lafarge indicated that a first-quarter loss was typical due to reduced construction activity during the winter and use of this slower period to perform annual maintenance.

Net sales during the quarter were down 3% to $436.1 million. U.S. net sales decreased 11% compared with last year, while Canadian sales increased 8% in local currency. Cement and cement-related product operations reported a loss of $24.8 million during the first quarter versus a loss of $3.2 million in the year-ago period. Net sales were $173.2 million, a decline of 2% from 2002.

Cement sales volumes decreased 138,000 tons, or 7%, compared with the same period in 2002. U.S. shipments were down 201,000 tons, reflecting the impact of bad weather in most regions, particularly in the Great Lakes area. Demand in Canada remained stronger than the U.S., with volumes up 63,000 tons over last year.

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2003 for France's CIMENTS FRANCAIS, a part of the Italcementi Group, were 617 million euros (US$709 million), down 1.2% compared with figures in 2002's first quarter, but up 1.7% on a like-for-like basis.

The company's cement business had consolidated sales of 391 million euros (US$449.4 million), down 1.0% from 2002, but up 3.3% on a like-for-like basis, with business declining somewhat in the French and American markets.