China: China intends to implement strict restrictions on the increase of new cement production capacity in 2012 to deal with a capacity surplus, said Liu Ming, an official with the department of industry within the National Development and Reform Commission.

Speaking at an industrial meeting, Liu said the main task for the time being is to contain the rapid increase of capacity. Currently China faces national overcapacity during the period of 2011-2015. Liu said the government will encourage mergers and acquisitions in the national industry, and increase financial support.

China's cement output increased by 11% to 2.09Bt in 2011 with an annual capacity of 2.9Bt. Liu added that China would roughly complete its task of phasing out out-dated capacity by the end of 2012. However, domestic producers remain optimistic about the growth of national consumption in 2012. The performance of China's cement industry will remain optimistic and annual output will reach new high with around 8% of growth, predicted Kong Xiangzhong, secretary general of the China Cement Association.

China's cement industry will see around 5% of growth in 2012 and 2013, said Cui Xingtai, chairman of the China United Cement Corporation. Cui said that the Chinese cement market will shake off its current weak performance from the second half of 2012 with the annual peak season. The decrease of cement demand in the first quarter of 2012 was directly related to the slowdown of construction projects in the railway, road and airport sectors and cement demand would have good performance in the second half, said Cui.