PVC is a product that relies on the building sector for two thirds of its applications. Recent EU Intrastat data show that the worst of the slump in the gross "national" product of the European Union is already behind us. Unfortunately the same does not apply to the building sector, which is suffering a delayed response to the crisis. The economic downturn in construction has yet to reach its low point. This is clearly reflected in PVC consumption, which fell dramatically in 2009 and which is showing no signs of consistent recovery so far in 2010.