Global Cement News

Vietnam: Vietnam is estimated to have produced 89.8Mt of cement in the first nine months of 2023, a year-on-year fall of 4% according to the state-run General Statistics Office (GSO). In September 2023, the country’s cement output is projected to have reached 10.2Mt, a year-on-year rise of 5%.

Peru: Cemento Yura has announced plans to expand its cement plant in Arequipa. Luis Diaz, vice-president of the Cement, Concrete and Lime Division of Gloria Group, the parent company of Cemento Yura, announced the plans during the Perumin 36 Mining Convention, which also took place in Arequipa on 26 - 29 September 2023.

Speaking to the Gestión newspaper, Diaz revealed that Yura is finalising a project to double its capacity. The plant currently has a capacity of 3Mt/yr, most of which is produced by its largest line, Line 3. The new line will cost US$132m and have a capacity of 3Mt/yr.

Diaz reported that engineering studies were complete and that environmental impact permits were in the process of being acquired. No additional area will be required for the new line, which is expected to be operational in 2027.

Germany: Mexico-based Cemex has agreed to buy Kiesel, a manufacturer of mortars and adhesives, for an undisclosed sum. The deal is intended to grow Cemex’s Urbanization Solution business through bolt-on acquisitions. The acquisition will be subject to conditions including regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to be competed from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Sergio Menéndez, president of Cemex Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia said “This acquisition will enhance our Urbanization Solutions business and allow us to serve our customers better.” He continued, “We remain committed to increasing our capacity to serve growing urban markets with more sustainable and innovative solutions.”

Kiesel was originally founded in 1959 and serves markets in Germany, France, Poland and the Czech Republic. Its portfolio includes a range of products to ensure efficient installation of all types of floors or wall coverings, as well as mortars for the installation of ceramic and natural stone tiles.

Pakistan: Dewan Cement’s turnover rose by 22% year-on-year to US$69.8m in the year to 30 June 2023 from US$57.1m in the same period that ended in 2022. Its cost of sales increased by 29% to US$68.3m from US$52.8m. It reported a loss of US$2.03m compared to US$2.43m previously.

Kenya: East African Portland Cement (EAPCC) has raised the price of its 50kg bags of cement by around 3%. It said that it made the decision due to higher input costs, according to the Standard newspaper. In a statement David Kilonzo, acting head of commercial at EAPCC, said “Due to the continuous surge in raw materials prices, operating overheads and our commitment to maintain the premium brand quality that our customers have enjoyed over the years, we will be revising our prices upwards.”

Switzerland-based Holcim holds a 42% stake in EAPC through its subsidiaries, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) holds a 27% stake and the Kenyan government, through the National Treasury, holds a 25% share in the company.