Brazil builds a bigger construction materials industry

Overview

After years of stagnant growth, Brazil’s construction materials sector is now enjoying rapid expansion. Sales are likely to grow by a heated 18 per cent in 2008 due to rising disposable income among lower-income groups, higher spending on home improvements, and renewed investment in large infrastructure projects. While the outlook for 2009 is less favourable, industry sales should stay sustained at a more modest 8-12 per cent growth rate despite a slowing economy.

Individual...