Cement News tagged under: Supply & Demand

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US growth settles down

20 April 2020, Published under Cement News

While the US economic cycle is expected to reach maturity in 2020-21, its construction market is forecast to remain relatively robust. As a result, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) forecasts modest growth for the cement sector in the medium term. By Ed Sullivan, PCA, USA. Figure 1: US economic growth, 2001-23 The United States economy and construction market are expected to remain relatively strong during 2020-21. However, the economy is entering a mature stage in the busin...

Celebrating industry excellence

02 April 2020, Published under Cement News

Cemtech Middle East and Africa 2020 welcomed delegates from over 35 nations to the Grand Hyatt Dubai, UAE, on 16-19 February. The conference and exhibition offered a comprehensive overview of the regional cement industry and gave attendees the opportunity to network with cement producers and international industry specialists. The conference opened with a discussion of the GCC cement markets and global prospects The 15th Cemtech MEA conference and exhibition was successfully hel...

Uzbekistan: time to celebrate?

17 March 2020, Published under Cement News

Following a dramatic rise in construction activity, the Uzbek cement industry has seen local sales surge. To meet this increasing demand, existing producers are expanding their production facilities and the booming market has attracted a flood of interest from Chinese investors. By Annexure Financial Solutions, China. Uzbekistan is carrying out bold economic reforms that have resulted in a strong growth in investment and an increase in consumption, underpinning rising cement demand...

Conch: window on 2025

16 March 2020, Published under Cement News

The dramatic expansion of the Chinese cement market over the past three decades has been nothing short of an economic miracle. ICR speaks with Dengbang Gao, chairman of the Conch Group (China) and president of the China Cement Association, about the growth of the domestic sector and the achievements of Conch Group in China and abroad. Dengbang Gao, chairman of Conch Group (China) and president of the China Cement Association ICR: Cement consumption in China has grown at an asto...

China’s cautious confidence

04 March 2020, Published under Cement News

With most provinces reporting a growth in cement output, Chinese cement companies enjoyed a bountiful year in 2019, supported by stronger peak-season demand and stable, high prices. For 2020 industry sentiment is one of cautious confidence despite a forecast indicating that demand will slip slightly. Furthermore, the current coronavirus outbreak is also expected to affect cement demand in the first half of the year. By Fei Chen and Bailin Chen, China Cement Association, China. Improvi...

State of the industry

06 February 2020, Published under Cement News

World cement markets contracted in 2017-18 but picked up last year, according to The Global Cement Report™, 13th Edition. New capacity is seen pushing worldwide utilisation rates down, while cement and clinker trade continues to advance. ICR takes a look at some of the key figures in this leading statistical reference for the worldwide cement sector. Figure 1: cement consumption by region, 2018E There was some optimism in the global cement markets in 2019 as world cement consump...

Building Iraq’s road to prosperity

07 January 2020, Published under Cement News

With post-war reconstruction continuing in Iraq, the cement and concrete industries play a key role. ICR speaks with Khaled El Dokani, Lafarge Iraq’s country CEO, about solid indications of market growth, the company’s contribution to the development of the local cement industry and challenges faced in building Iraq’s road to prosperity. Khaled El Dokani, CEO of Lafarge Iraq ICR: Can you provide a brief overview of the cement sector in Iraq: what does the industry landscape loo...

Argentina remains optimistic

17 December 2019, Published under Cement News

Argentina is facing more economic woes as inflation, interest rates, unemployment and the poverty rate continue to climb. But given the pressing need for both housing and infrastructure, its cement producers continue to invest in new capacity. With a new occupant at the Casa Rosada, the Argentine President’s executive mansion, the country has an optimistic view of the future At the end of October, Argentinians went to the polls to elect their president amid challengi...

Closing in on Canada’s carbon

02 December 2019, Published under Cement News

Canada has a well-established cement market and is home to several leading multinationals who dominate the sector. The main concerns of the industry are becoming more focussed on stricter environmental compliance with CO 2 taxes being implemented and more efficient grinding to improve plant performance. Canadian cement consumption is forecast to reach 9.4Mt in 2019 and is particularly high in metropolitan areas such as Edmonton, Alberta The recent Canadian elections on 21 Oc...

Saudi Arabia set for recovery?

27 November 2019, Published under Cement News

While the latest data of the Saudi cement market has provided some reassurance in terms of the sector’s recovery, the reality on the ground urges more caution going forward as spending on megaprojects is only gradually picking up. However, there are positive signs such as emerging export opportunities and improving cement prices. By Pritish K Devassy, Al-Rajhi Capital Research, Saudi Arabia. Yanbu Cement, awarded Cement Plant of the Year in the recent ICR Cement Industry Awards 2019, ...