How has Hurricane Katrina affected the supply of cement?
Cement consumption typically goes through a two-stage process after a Category 4 hurricane such as Katrina. First, consumption is immediately depressed, primarily due to cleanup. In the second stage, consumption accelerates above trend levels to make up for lost time and meet demand associated with repairs. Katrina also affected cement shipments. New Orleans is the second largest cement volume port in the United States, processing nearly 10 percent of all cement imports. In 2004, 2.6 million tons of cement passed through the port of New Orleans, and prior to the hurricane, the port was on pace to receive 3.6 million tons in 2005. Experts estimate that because of the extensive foundation damage due to flooding, it will take at least 4 million tons of cement during the next four to five years to rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding areas. How is the shortage affecting construction projects? Cement shortages are having the most visible affect on smaller companies, builders, or contacto
