International Cement Review articles tagged under : Market Reports
Raising expectations
A tightening supply-demand balance, rising prices and record industry profits have raised expectations of an improved scenario for China’s cement producers in 2019. A number of challenges remain on the supply-side, including tighter emissions control standards and the threat of imports into coastal markets, but the outlook for consumption is promising. By Fei (Grace) Chen, China Cement Associa...
China’s balancing act
2018 marked the 40th anniversary of China’s “Reform and Opening Up”, the name given to the hugely successful economic reforms instigated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, which initiated the country’s transformation from a l...
South Korea: new strategies
As South Korea’s economy dips and government policies negatively influence infrastructure plans, the country’s cement industry remains at overcapacity amid stagnant levels of demand. Moving forward, producers must fi...
Global cement markets in 2019
Low macroeconomic visibility, slowing global growth, geopolitical risks and industry-specific questions such as the outlook for Chinese cement prices or rising CO 2 costs in Europe have presented challenges to cemen...
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 ...
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...