International Cement Review articles tagged under : Market Reports
GCC demand to edge up?
The last few years have been challenging for the cement industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, as GCC governments move towards expansionary budgets and the implementation of mega projects edges ahead, sector analysts predict a modest rise in the region’s cement demand this year. By Hettish Karmani, U-Capital, UAE. Continued infrastructure development, the 20...
When the going gets tough
The north African cement sector is facing a challenging time as declining demand has put into perspective the current overcapacity in the industry. With most of the region affected, export options are limited. Higher...
Cement in the heart of Africa
Following two particularly challenging years and considerable overcapacity, the cement industry in the Republic of Congo can look forward to better times. The government is set to increase investment in housing and p...
Bangladesh: robust and stable
Large-scale infrastructure, growing urbanisation and strong foreign direct investment are fuelling rising cement demand in Bangladesh. But will it be enough to utilise production capacity as new plants come on-stream...
Cement in 2019
While global economic growth is expected to continue in 2019, uncertainty will affect the expansion of key cement markets in the year ahead. As a result a mild contraction is forecast although there will be regional ...
Pakistan’s gateway to expansion
With a newly-elected President, strong housing demand and infrastructure investment flowing in from China, Pakistan is at the gateway to a new beginning. The cement sector is thriving, rapidly adding new capacity and...
On the US Coast
Despite uncertainties ahead, cement demand on the East and West Coasts of the US is expected to grow around four per cent as the country continues its economic recovery. With ample local kiln capacity and ready acces...
Deep into the Saudi down-cycle
Saudi Arabia’s cement industry has faced a challenging few years as construction activity decreased following a more cost-conscious government budget. However, while many positive steps have been taken, the sector’s ...
India’s changing trajectory
After a period of abnormally-high growth, India’s cement sector has begun to moderate and return to normal levels. Meanwhile, rising fuel and power costs have impacted the profitability of the major producers. Furthe...
Germany: spending spree ahead?
The need for Germany to begin spending its accrued budget surplus on infrastructure projects and housing is starting to weigh heavily on the new government. The cement industry has invested and is able to increase ou...
Turkey turns the tables
Despite weathering a series of fluctuations in its economic, political and social structure within the last year, Turkey is once again witnessing a boost in its construction market as a result of urban transformation...
Europe’s positive prospects
Political developments across Europe have created considerable market uncertainty, due to potential policy changes unsettling the construction market. However, prospects for the region look widely positive as the maj...
Building west African wealth
West Africa is a vast region that is attracting foreign investment and infrastructure development at a pace not seen before. The cement industry is part of this fast-growing drive and with new grinding plants being e...
Trading up prospects
The South American region (excluding Brazil) has many cement producers not only investing in new production lines in their domestic markets but also looking to build capacity to advance exports. ICR provides a round-...
Ready to rise again?
Following the country’s recent presidential election, the economy of South Africa has returned to positive growth. ICR looks at the impact this has had on its highly-competitive cement industry and how other factors ...
The leading cement groups
ICR’s annual corporate profile review looks at the industry’s leading cement producers and their business activities and financial performance in 2017 and 2018. Production capacities of major cement producers ...