Displaying items by tag: Pakistan

Pakistan: The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has reported that cement exports during first eight months of the current Pakistani fiscal year, from 1 July 2018, saw growth of 52.3% year-on-year compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Exports were 4.65Mt compared to 3.05Mt.

In February 2019 exports were up by 69.1% year-on-year at 0.51Mt. The southern part of the country, particularly the Sindh region, fared considerably better than the national picture, as cement exports from the region increased by 185% to 0.35Mt in February 2019. Local consumption in the region was also higher, albeit less dramatically, with sales of 0.67Mt as compared to 0.61Mt a year earlier. However, plants in the north continued to suffer, with exports falling by 16% to 1.86Mt over the eight-month period from 2.21Mt a year earlier. In February 2019 exports from the north declined by 8.7% to 0.17Mt

Among other factors, the export of cement to India has been suspended due to a 200% increase in the import duty, as the Indian government had announced to de-list Pakistan from the status of ‘Most-Favoured Nation.’ The APCMA also said that rain in almost all parts of Pakistan had also affected construction activities.

Pakistan: Flying Cement has ordered a 71-6 OK model cement mill from Denmark’s FLSmidth for its new 7700t/day production line at its Mangwal plant. The mill will be designed to grind Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) at a capacity of 415t/hr. Commissioning is expected in 2020, and the mill will be supplied together with an FLSmidth ILC Preheater System, 2-Base Kiln, Cross-Bar Cooler, ROKSH 119 Separator, MAAG WPV-5000 Gear, Heat Exchanger and three filters. No price for the order has been disclosed.

Pakistan: DG Khan Cement’s sales rose by 26% year-on-year to US$154m in the six months to 31 December 2018 from US$122m in the same period in 2017. Its net profit more than halved to US$12m from US$24.8m. However, its net profit fell by 7% to US$10.9m from US$11.8m.

Pakistan: Kohat Cement’s net sales grew by 22% year-on-year to US$60m in the six months to 31 December 2018 from US$49.1m in the same period in 2017. Its cement production rose by 16% to 1.99Mt from 1.71Mt. The cement producer said that work on a new 7800t/day production line was on schedule with all of the equipment delivered on site.

Pakistan: A slowdown in construction activity has reduced Cherat Cement’s sales. Its local cement sales volumes fell by 12% year-on-year to 0.90Mt in the half-year to 31 December 2018 from 1.03Mt in the same period in 2017. Its exports declined by 23% to 0.18Mt from 0.23Mt. The cement producer’s net turnover decreased by 7% to US$50.3m from US$54.3m. Its net profit fell by 24% to US$7.35m from US$9.65m. The cement producer noted that the price of coal had risen.

Cherat Cement said that it had commissioned a third line at its integrated plant during the reporting period. The new line has a clinker production capacity of 6700t/day and it includes a waste heat recovery unit. Following the upgrade, Cherat Cement’s plant has a production capacity of 4.5Mt/yr. The company also installed Wartsila dual fuel engines. These generators have been ordered in anticipation of the completion of new gas pipeline to the plant.

Pakistan: Rising coal prices have reduced the profit at Fecto Cement in the half-year to 31 December 2018. Its profit after tax nearly halved to US$0.75m from US$1.63m. Its net turnover rose slightly to US$17.8m. Local cement sales volumes dropped by 9% to 0.32Mt from 0.35Mt and exports declined by 33% to 29,500t from 44,300t.

South Africa: The Concrete Institute says that the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) should impose a temporary ban on cement imports to protect the local industry. The institute is preparing an application to the commission, according to the Business Daily newspaper. Bryan Perrie, its managing director, said that imports from Pakistan dropped in 2016 after tariffs were introduced. However, this has been replaced by imports from China and Vietnam. He added that prices have dropped ‘drastically,’ especially in coastal areas, that this is starting to effect jobs and cement producers are delaying expansion plans. The Concrete Institute represents PPC, AfriSam, Lafarge Africa, Sephaku and Natal Portland Cement.

India/Pakistan: Cement importers in India have asked exporters in Pakistan to stop their consignments following a 200% rise in tariffs for cement and other products in India. The duties have been imposed in response to an attack on police in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir in mid-February 2019, according to the Dawn newspaper. A source quoted by the newspaper said that cement shipments are being recalled on route to destinations in India.

Around 75% of Pakistan's cement exports to India are conducted at the Wagah land border, while the rest are handled at sea. Exports to India between July - January of the current financial year were 0.65Mt and exports in 2017 -2018 were 1.2Mt.

Pakistan: Cherat Cement’s turnover fell by 7% year-on-year to US$50.3m in the six months to 31 December 2018 from US$54.2m in the same period in 2017. Its operating profit dropped by 38% to US$6.8m from US$10.9m.

Pakistan: Thatta Cement has appointed Mohammad Abid Khan as its company secretary. He succeeds Shabid Yaqoob who has stepped down from the role.