India: The Cement Manufacturers Association has forecast growth above 10% in the 2019 financial year to the end of March 2019. It is expecting growth to be supported by the government's increased spending on large-scale infrastructure projects and growing residential housing, according to the Press Trust of India. It follows growth of around 13% year-on-year in the first half of the year. If growth stays at above 10% in 2019 it will be the fastest increase since the industry slowed down in 2011. The association is also attempting to lobby the government to lower the 28% tax rate applicable under the General Service Tax.
