Cement News tagged under: Supply & Demand

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Working in the present, looking to the future

09 August 2021, Published under Cement News

While 2020 was a difficult year for the cement industry, Brazil’s leading cement player adapted and continued its expansion. Sustainability and the health and safety of its staff were key considerations in addressing the challenges of last year and those ahead in 2021. By Marcelo Castelli, Global CEO, Votorantim Cimentos, Brazil. Votorantim’s Cantagalo plant benefitted from domestic consumption growth The year 2020 brought countless challenges to all of us. We experienced a sign...

Brazil: striking the right balance

02 August 2021, Published under Cement News

The Brazilian cement industry has contributed greatly to the country’s development, providing high-quality products in line with demanding sustainability requirements. As the industry adjusts to the impact of COVID-19, producers continue to seek the balance between higher production, maintaining quality and reducing emissions even further. By Sindicato Nacional da Indústria do Cimento (SNIC), Brazil. Brazilian cement association SNIC provides an overview of the domestic cement sector ...

South Korea’s shift to neutral

20 July 2021, Published under Cement News

The rapid capacity build-up of South Korea’s cement industry over the 1980s-1990s came to a sudden end in 1997. Since then the sector has shifted its investment focus to the sustainable production of cement, supported by the government’s drive towards carbon neutrality by 2050. By Korean Cement Association, South Korea. If South Korea’s government maintains its economic stimulus policy and announces construction-friendly real estate policies, cement demand is forecast to reach more...

Can Mexico’s fiesta continue?

05 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Despite initial concerns that Mexican cement demand would see a sharp contraction in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic consumption held up better than expected through the year. The early signs for 2021 are encouraging but, with a rollercoaster of expectations ahead, Credit Suisse asks how long can Mexico’s fiesta last? By Vanessa Quiroga, Credit Suisse, Mexico. Going forward, the picture for Mexican cement demand, exports and utilisation levels is promising. The outlook ...

Scaling up for growth

29 June 2021, Published under Cement News

Cement producers do not just manufacture cement, they need to sell it too. So what happens when a new equity partner invests in the company with a plan to increase factory output sixfold? How do you scale up for growth, increase market share and ensure that sales keep up with production volumes? By Transnova, South Africa. Rwandan cement producer cimerwa migrates from the distributor model to that of a delivered service to better manage sales volumes, customer loyalty programmes, m...

Vietnam’s export boost

22 June 2021, Published under Cement News

Vietnam’s total cement and clinker sales expanded by 0.9 per cent YoY in 2020 to 97.5Mt, according to FiinGroup. Of this total, domestic cement consumption was 62.1Mt, declining by 5.6 per cent YoY. Meanwhile, clinker and, in particular, cement exports remained strong, surging by 14.9 per cent compared to a year earlier. Both the positive long-term outlook for Vietnam’s cement market as well as the ability to export to overseas destinations bode well for domestic cement ma...

India: further challenges ahead

15 June 2021, Published under Cement News

India’s cement demand declined by less than initially anticipated in 2020 and producer profitability was supported by a better-than-expected economic recovery, stable cement prices and greater cost efficiencies. However, GDP growth has been precarious and as the pandemic takes a concerning turn, 2021 may be no less challenging in terms of market dynamics and maintaining cost discipline. A pick-up in government-led infrastructure projects resulted in incremental cement demand Ind...

Morocco’s market dynamic

01 June 2021, Published under Cement News

Pending the real estate sector recovery, cement demand in Morocco will be driven in the coming years by both major infrastructure projects and the emergence of the southern regions which are evolving into becoming top-tier economic hubs. At the moment, there is a significant increase in capacity while local operators are showing interest in exports. By Maria Iraqi and Taha Jaidi, Attijari Global Research, Morocco. Moroccan cement demand is expected to return to pre-COVID levels by 202...

Florida: bolder, brighter, better

24 May 2021, Published under Cement News

Like all US states, Florida has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with tourist numbers plummeting as borders shut and lockdown measures were imposed. But pent-up demand in the housing market, strong infrastructure spending and a robust construction sector should deliver a notable uptick in cement consumption in 2021-23. Florida has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with tourist numbers in freefall. However, a brighter future lies ahead Florida’s US$1trn econo...

Indian demand set to decline 20% in June quarter

19 May 2021, Published under Cement News

Indian cement demand in the April-June 2021 quarter is expected to drop by 20 per cent as a result of localised restrictions related to COVID-19 cases in the country, according to Fitch Ratings. Cement demand from rural housing is expected to decrease by a larger extent as it is more dependent on individual customers. Consumption from other segments, such as urban housing, infrastructure and commercial construction, is likely to be less affected. The input costs for petcoke, imported c...