Ukraine: Companies belonging to the Ukrcement association increased cement production by 24% year-on-year to 3.8Mt between January and June 2024, according to a press release.

Clinker production also rose by 13% year-on-year to 3Mt.

The statement said "Despite the enormous challenges of the war, the enterprises of the Association of Cement Producers of Ukraine Ukrcement continue to adapt to new realities and produce strategically important products – cement.”

Lithuania: Akmenės Cementas has completed a €30m upgrade to its Akmenės cement plant. BNS News has reported that the upgrade will enable the plant to raise its alternative fuels (AF) substitution rate to 90%. The work included the construction of supporting infrastructure, including a storage facility. The Lithuanian Environmental Project Management Agency granted the project €4.3m under its Climate Change Programme.

Akmenės Cementas sold 1.1Mt of cement in 2023, 74% of it on the local Lithuanian market, with the remainder exported to other EU markets.

Saudi Arabia: Eastern Province Cement Company raised its sales by 29% year-on-year to US$156m in the first half of 2024. Its net profit grew to US$34.1m, up by 20% year-on-year.

Saudi Arabia: Southern Province Cement's sales dropped to US$124m in the first half of 2024, down by 2.5% year-on-year. Nonetheless, the company grew its net profit by 36%, to US$24.5m.