According to the recently released 3Q 2015 Survey of Portland Cement Consumption by User Group, cement consumption grew 2.7 percent in the third quarter 2015 against the same period in 2014, with gains driven by the ready mixed concrete segment, which grew at a healthy 7 percent. Also exhibiting robust expansion was roller-compacted concrete and the pre-stressed concrete market (27 percent gains year-to-date).

Constraining further growth is the dramatic reduction in oil and gas well cement consumption, a reflection of the collapse in oil prices. The oil and gas well drilling segment fell another 34 percent in the third quarter 2015. According to PCA’s latest analysis, this segment will weigh on growth in 2016 as well.