Global Cement News

Pakistan: Thatta Cement’s has increased its cement dispatches in the first half of its financial year despite a general reduction in the local market. Its cement despatches grew by 12% year-on-year to 254,000t in the six months to 31 December 2024 from 226,000t in the same period in 2023. The company’s net sales rose by 23% year-on-year to US$13.9m in the six months to 31 December 2024 from US$11.3m in the same period in 2023. It attributed this to a “…substantial increase in the retention price.” Its profit after tax tripled to US$4m from US$1.3m.

The cement producer said that it installed a 5MW solar power plant during the reporting period. It also expects to complete a 4.8MW wind farm in early 2025. The company started operating a new pre-crushing system for its cement grinding mills, supplied by Sinoma-Liyang Heavy Machinery, in mid-January 2025.

India: The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has praised the Indian government’s Union Budget 2025 – 2026 for its ‘sustained core focus’ on infrastructure, housing and sustainable development. United News of India has reported that the budget provides for interest-free loans for state governments’ infrastructure projects and additional funding for research and development.

The CMA said that this aligns with its own development goals, within which it envisions the cement sector playing a growing role in a ‘sustainable, resilient’ economy.

India: Kaushalya Logistics has started operations at a new depot in Bathnaha, Bihar, as part of its logistics services for ACC. This latest site brings the company's total operational locations to 90. It is its fourth depot under its so-called ‘CCFA model’ for the subsidiary of Adani Cement. Kaushalya Logistics transports cement and handles associated logistics on behalf of companies including Adani Cement and JK Cement. It aims to handle a volume of 3.6Mt/yr of cement as part of its current expansion plans.

Saudi Arabia: City Cement Company has signed an agreement with the National Electricity Transmission Company to build a 106MW transmission station at its Nisah plant. Mist News has reported that electricity transmitted via the station will supplant oil generators at the plant. Construction is scheduled for completion later in 2025.

US: Heidelberg Materials North America has signed a binding agreement with Giant Cement’s multiple minority shareholders to acquire the producer outright. Noticias Financieras News has reported that Heidelberg Materials North America will pay approximately US$600m for the business. Giant Cement is scheduled to fully shut its Thomaston, Maine, cement plant in early 2025.

Giant Cement belongs to Spain-based Cementos Portland Valderrivas, with a 45% stake, Mexico-based Cementos Fortaleza (41%) and Mexico-based Trituradora y Procesadora de Materiales Santa Anita (14%).