The world continues to use more and more cement each year, and North America is ahead of the curve when it comes to cement consumption growth.

A new report from the Portland Cement Association had good news for aggregate producers: Global cement consumption should continue to increase through 2015 to 2018.

“Most of the gains in developed world cement consumption is attributed to North America,” PCA chief economist and group vice-president Edward J. Sullivan said. “With an expected growth of more than 7.4 million metric tons, the North American region is expected to continue to expand at a faster pace than most other developed countries due to continued national economic growth.”

PCA found that cement consumption grew 9.2 million metric tons in 2014 and an additional 9 million metric tons in 2015.

Though, PCA added that while consumption is expected to continue to grow, the rate might slow down. Cement consumption is expected to grown 2.2 percent in 2015, 3.7 percent in 2016 and around 4 percent in 2017 and 2018. That’s down slightly from the nearly 5 percent growth from 2013 to 2014.

The Asian markets are contributing to the slowed down growth of cement consumption. China’s consumption is expected to grow 7 percent this year, but that’s down from double digits in 2010 and 2011.

Meanwhile, PCA said Europe cement consumption should grow slightly in 2015, but have a better year in 2016.