Despite recovery momentum in late 2010, the U.S. economy is again in a slowdown, according to the latest long-range economic forecast released by the Skokie, Ill.-based Portland Cement Association. This will weaken construction activity and restrain gains in cement consumption until 2013, PCA said.

PCA downgraded its cement consumption forecast to 0.2 percent in 2011, and 0.4 percent in 2012, with a significant 16.4-percent increase in 2013. According to the report, uncertainty regarding highway spending legislation and government policy related to the debt crisis will cause a negative drag on construction activity for the next few years.

“Our previous forecast had assumed the new highway bill would be 20-percent higher than existing levels, but we now believe the funding will remain at current levels,” said Edward Sullivan, PCA chief economist said. “Lack of highway funding and reduced consumer, business and bank confidence due to the debt crisis will all slow down construction recovery.”

According to Sullivan, economic recovery from the Great Recession will be led by a strengthening of confidence in these areas. Without a sustained improvement, private sector fundamentals such as job creation, investment and ease in lending standards will not be released in full force and commit the economy to a path of improvement.

PCA represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education and public affairs programs. For more information on PCA programs, visit www.cement.org.