Global Cement News

Pakistan: The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology heard on 10 October 2024 that some cement producers have obtained stay orders from courts against the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority over unpaid marking fees. The marking fees equate to 0.1% of cement’s ex-factory price, and go towards ensuring that cement conforms to standards. Pakistan Today News has reported that only two producers have regularly paid the fee, with combined defaults valued at US$18m across the entire industry. A delegation from Saudi Arabia reportedly queried authorities about the lack of clear labelling.

Science and Technology Committee chair Kamil Ali Agha reportedly said "No one knows what quality of cement is being produced by local manufacturers.”

Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines government has welcomed Thailand-based Shera’s upcoming US$50.4m Mabalacat fibre cement board plant in Pampanga. The DTI expects the plant to help to reduce the Philippines' reliance on imported fibre cement boards from 100%. The Manila Bulletin newspaper has reported that the plant, scheduled for commissioning in early 2025, is also expected to create 300 new jobs.

The Philippines’ trade secretary Cristina Roque said "This investment aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of becoming a global hub for manufacturing. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as AI and Internet of Things, Shera is setting a new standard for innovation in the Philippines.”

Türkiye: Türkiye exported cement worth US$377m in September 2024, 1.4% lower in value than in September 2023, according to Türkiye's Ministry of Trade. The total value of its exports between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 came to US$4.2bn.

The value of cement products exported from Türkiye to Azerbaijan specifically amounted to US$39.6m during the first nine months of 2024, representing a 7.7% increase year-on-year. In September 2024 the value of cement exported was US$5.1m, a year-on-year rise of 8.8%.

Pakistan: Pakistan Railways (PR) is planning the construction of a 105km railway line that will link the Thar Coal mines with a Port at Qasim. The project is being financed by the Sindh state and national governments and will be completed by October 2025.

An official from the Ministry of Railways said that the line would bolster the nation's bulk transportation capabilities, aligning with broader economic growth objectives and facilitating coal transportation across the country, supporting key industries like cement production. After the completion of the project, the rail network is expected to have the capacity to transport 10Mt/yr of coal, shifting Pakistan's reliance from imported to domestic coal sources.

Jamaica: Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) says it continues to focus on improving its cement inventories and deliveries to the local market, amid disruption in September and early October 2024.

The company stated that further measures have been implemented to enhance inventory deliveries to its island-wide depots. It stated that it was currently operating at full production capacity and had successfully addressed various operational challenges, including those caused by adverse weather conditions relating to Hurricane Milton, which recently affected the region.

“Our valued customers and the public can expect further improvements in cement delivery over the coming week,” said the company. “CCCL remains committed to better serving its customers and enhancing services to ensure a reliable local supply of products.” The company added that it sincerely appreciated the ‘patience and understanding’ of all of its customers.