Vietnam: Vietnam produced 104.1Mt of cement in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 1% increase year-on-year, as reported by the General Statistics Office (GSO). In July 2024, the country's cement output is estimated at 15.2Mt, a rise of 7% compared to July 2023.

India: UltraTech Cement, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla, has purchased a 33% stake in India Cements for US$472m. UltraTech now controls a 55% stake and plans to make an open offer for a further 20% at US$4.66 per share. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, values India Cements at approximately US$1.39bn and could increase UltraTech's holding to 75.49%, according to The Northlines news.

Germany: The University of Trier is transforming post-consumer materials into ‘ecological’ cement through a new research project that aims to find sustainable alternatives for the construction industry. The project involves using low-CO₂ industrial post-consumer materials as alternative cement binders, such as sludge from gravel and sand mining, as well as dust from quartzite extraction. The research will run for two years and is supported by the German Federal Environment Foundation.

Tunisia: Votorantim Cimentos has signed an agreement to sell its Tunisian assets to China-based Sinoma Cement for US$130m, according to Yicai Global. The deal's completion depends on regulatory approvals from China, Tunisia and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa).

All of Votorantim Cimentos' plants and offices in Tunisia will continue to operate as usual during the regulatory review.