The Portland
Cement Association stand at CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2011 reinforces the challenges
facing the concrete industry and the role it will play as the North American
construction market slowly recovers from the global financial crisis.
During a press conference
at the show, chief economist Ed Sullivan explained the disconnect between the
timing of the economic and construction recoveries. Sullivan presented his view
of what to expect in 2011 and in the following years.
He said the
fundamentals supporting moderately strong job creation are in place but that
the euphoria that may run wild on Wall Street will probably not translate into
a substantive revival in attitudes among cement and construction executives. While
the economic recession is over, the construction recession may have another 18
months before it runs its course.
He also examined trends
that illustrate the role high energy and oil prices will play in the long-term
recovery of the concrete industry.
