Bangladesh: LafargeHolcim Bangladesh has posted a 56% year-on-year increase in profit to US$20.5m in 2019 from US$13.1m in 2018. Sales rose by 100% to US$210m from US$105m in 2018. New Nation Independent Daily News has reported that LafargeHolcim Bangladesh CEO Rajesh Surana said, "2019 was a challenging year for the cement industry. The impact of increased raw material costs and taxes was significant. Despite this, LafargeHolcim demonstrated a strong performance trend. Our focus on improving operational efficiencies, driving commercial innovation and cost optimisation continues to be effective. We are determined to build on this thrust and further increase value to our stakeholders."

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Germany-based HeidelbergCement subsidiary Tvornica Cementa Kakanj (TCK) recorded a profit of Euro7.35m in 2019, down by 15% year-on-year from Euro8.63m in 2018. Sales rose by 1.8% over the period, to Euro37.7m from Euro37.0m. The company explained the profit drop in terms of increased operating costs, which rose by 3.8% to Euro29.4m from Euro22.7m in 2018.

Sri Lanka: Norochcholai Coal Power Plant (NCPP) is courting buyers for its fly ash, of which it says it produces US$5.5m-worth annually. In 2019 NCPP sold US$3.3m to Sri Lankan cement producers. Daily News Sri Lanka has reported that the company has undertaken measures to increase the value of the fly ash to cement producers, in order to obtain a higher price. NCPP manager Indrasiri Gallage said, "By selling fly ash to cement producers the plant has also helped to free the country from reliance on clinker imports."

An expansion, including the installation of a new 300MW coal-fired power plant, will eventually bring the NCPP’s capacity to 1200MW. The plant is currently working to increase the value of its bottom ash for paving block production.

Spain: Cementos Portland Valderrivas has said that it has donated to Cáritas Internationalis’ Samuel Project, which provides values and family workshops and quarterly excursions to disadvantaged people aged between six and 18. Cementos Portland Valderrivas Alcalá de Guadaíra plant environment manager Pedro Lanagrán said that the company is a part of the Alcalareño fabric, and therefore has a ‘responsibility towards society, which includes providing minors with the best education and the best values in order to coexist with society.’

India: Aditya Birla subsidiary UltraTech has announced plans for a 3.5Mt/yr clinker production capacity expansion to its integrated Andhra Pradesh plant in Bhogasamudram, Anantapur district, to 10Mt/yr from 6.5Mt/yr. The new kiln line will cost US$169m and reach completion in March 2022.

Egypt: Germany-based HeidelbergCement subsidiary Suez Cement’s losses fell by 11% year-on-year to US$75.0m in 2019 from US$84.1m in 2018. Mubasher News has reported that sales also fell, by 13% to US$41m from US$0.47bn.

Suez Cement is seeking buyers for its 51% stake in Kuwait-based Hilal Cement.

Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan imported 3.27Mt of cement in 2019, down by 6.8% year-on-year from 3.51Mt in 2018. The value of cement imported fell by 13% to US$154m from US$176m. Trend newspaper has reported that cement imports from Kazakhstan fell by 32% to 0.97Mt from 1.43Mt. Imports from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan also fell, but rose by 85% from Iran, to 0.59Mt from 0.32Mt.

Uzbekistan, which has a 12.9Mt/yr installed cement production capacity, removed its zero rate of customs duty on cement in October 2019 in order to help align domestic demand with production.

US: Mexico-based Cemex has confirmed that its 75% subsidiary Kosmos Cement, which it holds jointly with a subsidiary of Italy-based Buzzi Unicem, has completed the sale of its 1.7Mt/yr integrated Louisville plant to Eagle Materials for US$665m. Cemex says that it will receive US$499m in proceeds from the sale.

North Korea: The Pyongyang Times newspaper has reported that the state-owned integrated Komusan Cement Factory in Komusan, North Hamgyong province, has successfully trialled cement production at a new dry line. The line will reportedly use lignite as fuel.

Nigeria: Dangote Cement has shared plans for the installation of a fifth production line at its 13.3Mt/yr integrated Obajana plant in Obajana, Kogi State, that will raise the plant’s capacity to 16.Mt/yr. Business Day newspaper has reported that the upgrade will be a jointly private and public project aimed at ‘boosting the economy and creating jobs for the unemployed youth,’ with tax reliefs and other incentives available to investors. Dangote Cement executive director Edwin Devakumar said during a visit of the Nigerian Minister of State for Mining and Steel Development Samson Ogar that the company ‘will leverage on the state’s support.’