SKOKIE, IL - The U.S. economy is suffering from a severe economic weakness and its impact on cement consumption and the construction industry will not be mild, according to the latest Portland Cement Association (PCA) forecast of cement, concrete, and construction.

In 2008, Portland cement consumption is expected to drop 11 percent, followed by an additional 5.5 percent in 2009. PCA predicts total cement consumption in this year to be 101.7 million metric tons.

A record consumption of 128 million metric tons was reached in 2005. Peak- to-trough declines in consumption will total nearly 30 million metric tons, marking one of the worst industry downturns since the Great Depression.

"We are currently in the third year of a four-year industry contraction that began in 2006," Edward Sullivan, PCA chief economist said. "High fuel prices, slow job creation, and tight lending standards will all adversely impact the entire spectrum of construction activity."

Sullivan anticipates that while harsh residential conditions continue to act as a significant drag on cement consumption, the nonresidential sector will also see large declines for the next two years.