Paraguay’s Industria Nacional de Cemento (INC) will halt its kiln at Vallemí to complete the replacement of its refractory.

However, the maintenance will not affect output, which will remain at 45,000-50,000 bags per day, according to CEO Jorge Méndez. He said the company has sufficient clinker stock to maintain daily production rates for 45 days.

Cement consumption has surpassed supply this year and INC expects to import 60,000t of clinker to meet domestic demand.