Japan: Sumitomo Osaka Cement, Sumitomo Corporation, JFE Steel, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha and Woodside Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly conduct a business feasibility study looking at setting up a CO₂ hub in the Setouchi and Shikoku regions. It will examine how CO₂ can be collected from different industries, transported to a hub port and then shipped to Australia for sequestration. A signing of the MOU was held at the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum in the presence of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito.

Sumitomo Osaka Cement operates two integrated plants in the Setouchi and Shikoku regions at Ako and Kochi respectively.

Mexico: GCC has signed an agreement of understanding and collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and professional services company Dexis. Under the agreement the cement producer is joining the Pro-Integrity anti-corruption initiative. This project aims to strengthen the business environment in Mexico by promoting governance, the adoption of corporate best practice and the promotion of partnerships that promote transparency and integrity.

Czech Republic: Heidelberg Materials subsidiary Českomoravský Cement will change its name to Heidelberg Materials CZ on 1 January 2024. Germany-based Heidelberg Materials’ other subsidiaries in the country - including Českomoravský Beton, Českomoravský Šterk, Pískovny Morava and Tras-Servis - will retain their names but appear under the holding company brand. Českomoravský Cement operates two integrated plants in the country.

Russia: Mikhail Polyanichko, the finance director of Cemros, has warned that growing gas prices, logistic costs and the interest rate set by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will “significantly” increase input costs for cement producers in 2024. Tariffs on gas and railway transport both rose by around 10% in December 2023, with a further gas rate rise scheduled for July 2024. Polyanichko noted that the price of gas is particularly sensitive for cement plants given that it represents, on average, about 30% of the energy mix. He described the impending situation as a “stress scenario” and forecast that investment projects were likely to be reduced.