CEMEX announced that its consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter of 2003 were US$1.8 billion, up 10% compared with the same period of 2002. The growth was attributed to the overall improvement in economic conditions during the second half of the year. The company's operations in Mexico, the United States, and Spain saw increased public spending in infrastructure and housing.

Consolidated cement sales volume during the quarter was 16.3 million metric tons, up 4% from 2002's fourth quarter, while ready-mix volumes were 11.0% higher at 5.5 million cu meters.

Cemex's Mexican operations reported net sales of US$664 million in the fourth quarter, a 5.0% growth over 2002. Domestic sales volumes increased 2.0% for the quarter and 4 percent for the full year 2003. In the United States, net sales for the quarter were US$446 million, an increase of 14%. Cement sales volumes increased 10% during the fourth quarter and 2.0% for the full year.

As of September 30, consolidated net sales for France's CIMENTS FRANCAIS stood at 2.204 billion euros (US$2.6 billion), showing a reduction of 1.1% compared with the same period in 2002, though showing a 3.0% increase on a like-for-like basis.

The trends of the first half continued with business shrinking in France, Belgium and the United States, high level in southern Europe, and growth in some emerging countries. Net income rose to 193.9 million euros (US$225.7 million), up nearly 24% from the previous year.