Philippines: Republic Cement Services plans to commission two cement grinding mills in 2019 at a cost of US$20m each. Once completed the company will have a cement production capacity of around 9Mt/yr, according to GMA News. President Nabil Francis also said that the company would need more clinker for the mills. This could either be sourced locally or from imports.

The Gambia: The government has introduced a 5% import tariff on cement imports from Senegal. The new tax was issues to the Gambia Revenue Authority in November 2018 for enforcement from the start of 2019, according to Foroyaa news website. Local cement dealers have complained about the new tax, saying that local production is unable to meet demand. They have urged the government to reconsider its policy.

India: Shree Cement’s income rose by 15% year-on-year to US$1.18bn for the first nine months of 2018 from US$1.07bn in the same period in 2017. However, its profit before tax fell by 50% to US$95.2m from US$192m. This was mainly due to rising power and fuel costs and logistic expenses.

Cambodia: The cement arm of Thailand’s SCG plans to buy the remaining shares in Jumbo Barges, a water transportation and logistics company, for US$0.5m. Once completed, the cement producer intends to invest in the subsidiary to grow its logistics business in Cambodia including bulk cargo for both import and export. It also plans to use the company to provide logistics to neighbouring countries. The transaction follows two similar deals for logistics companies in Thailand.