Indonesia: Semen Indonesia has renamed Holcim Indonesia as Solusi Bangun following its takeover. Semen Indonesia’s corporate secretary Agung Wiharto said that the acquisition was aimed at increasing the country's cement plant network and strengthening its supply chain, according to the Jakarta Post newspaper. He added that the purchase would also benefit the company’s ready-mix concrete business. Lowered distribution and raw material costs are also anticipated.

Qatar: Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC) is preparing to export clinker, grey cement and white cement. Following the completion of its 5000t/day Plant 5, the company is considering targeting countries like Yemen and Iraq, according to the Qatar Tribune. The cement producer has a production capacity of 16,000t/day. In 2018 it produced 2.9Mt of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Sulphate Resistant Portland Cement (SRC). It also intends to add new cement products to its portfolio in 2019.

Philippines: SCG Philippines Country Director Anuvat Chalermchai says he is unconcerned about the country’s new tariff on imported cement because the company’s imports are ‘very small.’ The subsidiary of the Thai conglomerate imports 0.2 – 0.3Mt/yr of cement, according to Business World. It operates seven companies in the Philippines: United Pulp and Paper Company, SCG Trading Philippines, Green Siam Resources, Green Alternative Technology Specialist, SCG Marketing Philippines and Mariwasa Siam Ceramics.

Kenya: A government audit has recommended that the Mining Minister suspend the operating licences for Athi River Mining and the East African Portland Cement (EAPCC). The report to the Public Accounts Committee was in response to the companies not paying taxes, according to the Business Daily newspaper. Both cement producers have faced financial difficulties recently.