South African-based Afrimat announced that its Construction Index (ACI) for the first quarter of 2025, compiled by economist Dr Roelof Botha, recorded a YoY a decline of 2.6 per cent compared with the first quarter of last year.
“Both cement kilns are running, and market demand is significantly stronger than originally anticipated. Despite heavy rainfall in the North West, the dryer weather has come at a perfect time, and we have made up some of the heightened demand we experienced for our products,” claimed Dr Botha.
He adds that demand for Afrimat’s innovative low-carbon cement product continues to be strong.
“Quarrying and fly ash operations are performing significantly better than the previous year, with the ex-Lafarge quarry volumes increasing, and in some areas, where large projects are underway, such as in KZN, demand for construction materials has been strong.”
Should the government roll out its announced infrastructure investment over the next three years, Afrimat says it stands ready. “This spend will be hugely beneficial to the country in terms of vital job creation as well as ensuring economic activity is heightened. This is especially true in terms of logistics, with mineral and material exports being critical to the fiscus of the country. The renewed focus on rail maintenance is creating a welcome increase in the demand for construction materials such as ballast stone,” says Andries van Heerden, CEO of Afrimat.
“In my opinion, it is critical for the Government to ensure that export logistics are maintained and optimised for the wealth of exports our country has. Thankfully, Afrimat has been able to export anthracite via the Maputo port, and in the first quarter, two shipments were exported with further shipments currently being loaded,” Mr Van Heerden added.
