The import bill of building materials reached USD 965.32 million in the first five months of 2016 against USD 1.12 billion during the same period, i.e. a decrease by 14.24%, Customs told APS.
Imported quantities (cement, iron, steel, wood and ceramic products) widened to 4.9 million tons against 4.61 million, i.e. an increase by 6.24%, the Customs’ National Center of Data Processing and Statistics (CNIS) told APS.
According to category of products, the imported quantities of cement, wood and derived products increase while quantities of ceramic products, iron and steel declined.
Cements (not sprayed, Portland, aluminous, hydraulic …) have been imported for an amount of USD 193.65 million against nearly USD 200 million (-3.16%).
Imported quantities increased from 3.08 million tons against 2.7 (+14%).
Imported quantities decreased to 1.07 million ton against 1.25 million (-14.64%).
The decline in import bill of building materials is due to the decrease of their world prices and the establishment of import licences for grey Portland cement and iron and steel.
In 2015, the import bill of building materials decreased to USD 2.54 billion against USD 3.35 billion in 2014 (-24.1%).