World cement demand is forecast to increase 4.8% per year through 2008 and approach 2.5 billion metric tons, valued at US$181 billion. This is according to are newly released study from Cleveland-based market research firm The Freedonia Group, Inc. China — which already represents by far the largest national market for cement in the world — will account for 44% of global demand in 2008.

Cement sales in other developing parts of Asia as well as Eastern Europe and Latin America also are projected to register above-average gains, fueled by a robust construction outlook. Gains are expected to be subpar in the developed areas of the United States, Japan, and Western Europe, since the infrastructure in these areas are well developed. Freedonia predicts that cement demand in the U.S. in 2008 will reach 134 million mt.

These and other trends are presented in the 364-page document World Cement, which is available for $5,100. To order, contact:

The Freedonia Group
767 Beta Drive
Cleveland, OH 44143-2326
(+1) 440-684-9600 (phone)
(+1) 440-646-0484 (fax)
pr@freedoniagroup.com (e-mail)
www.freedoniagroup.com