Mexico: The Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican parliament has approved a resolution exhorting the state government of Hidalgo to take ‘urgent action’ to help restore the Tula cement plant to its owner, Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. Local press has reported that the chamber determined that the situation had arrived a critical point, as those illegally occupying the plant were looting and dismantling the plant.

Colombia: Cementos Argos’ sales of cement declined by 3.4% year-on-year to 11.9Mt during the first nine months of 2023, from 12.3Mt in the first nine months of 2022. Volumes dropped by 0.9% to 4.61Mt in the US, by 3.6% to 4.35Mt in Colombia and by 6.6% to 2.97Mt in Central America and the Caribbean. Nonetheless, its revenues rose by 16% year-on-year, to US$2.47bn from US$2.14bn. This resulted in earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$506m, up by 37% year-on-year.

For the full year 2023, Cementos Argos raised its EBITDA forecast to US$617 – 630m, compared to a previous forecast of US$580 – 605m. It expects to invest US$200 – 220m in capital expenditure throughout the year – US$90 – 99m of it on the construction of new capacity.

Tanzania/Uganda: Switzerland-based Holcim has signed agreements to sell Uganda-based Hima Cement and Tanzania-based Mbeya Cement. Local industrial conglomerate Sarrai Group will acquire Hima Cement for US$120m, while local oil importer Amsons Group will acquire Mbeya Cement for an undisclosed sum.

Holcim’s Asia, Middle East & Africa regional head Martin Kriegner said “These divestments advance our strategy to consolidate our leadership in core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. With the Sarrai Group and Amsons Group, we are pleased to have found strategic and trusted partners who are best positioned to develop these businesses in the long term.”

Australia: The government has begun consultations with affected parties over the possible implementation of a carbon border tax on imports of goods from heavy industries, including cement production. The Herald Sun newspaper has reported that manufacturers’ associations in Australia have welcomed the possible change to emissions laws.