Cement prices see third week of decline, China

The average selling price (ASP) of cement in China has continued its downward trend and registered its third consecutive week of decline since mid-November.

During the week commencing 3-7 December 2012 the ASP dropped 0.7 per cent compared to the week before, according to data from the industry information provider Digital Cement. Prices have been falling since mid-November following three months of rises.

Prices in the central and southern China regions continued their downward trend with the price in Guangdong and Guangxi falling CNY20-30/t (US$3-4.8) in the week. Reductions were also seen in Hunan, Hainan and Yunnan.

The cement price in northern China remained stable during week of 3 December but turnover fell. Most cement factories in Hebei province have halted operations due to declining demand.

In eastern China, cement prices were also stable but companies were not optimistic about future average selling prices and downstream demand did not demonstrate a strong recovery during the week.