Democratic Republic of Congo: The government banned new imports of cement into the country on 30 September 2023. Local press has reported that the measure aims to protect local cement production and to move the country away from its dependence on imports.

Kongo-Central provincial government spokesperson Anne-Marie Tsasa said “Despite this ban, the circulation and sale of said products is noted in Kongo-Central province. The services working at the borders are invited to fight against this fraudulent practice.”

Uzbekistan/Qatar: Qatar National Cement has been named among businesses that have attended meetings with the Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade. UzDaily News has reported that the minister is visiting Qatar for talks with his Qatari counterpart, as well as ‘large companies’ from the heavy industry, energy and food sectors. The Uzbekistan government is reportedly evaluating the prospects for joint implementation of large investment projects in priority sectors of the economy.

UK: Germany-based Heidelberg Materials has introduced customers and investors to Heidelberg Materials UK, its UK subsidiary formerly known as Hanson UK. The latest rebrand signifies increasing collaboration across the group’s geographies as a global business with one voice. Heidelberg Materials UK will launch rebranded packaging for its cement and other products in early 2024 and transition its branding across its sites and vehicles by October 2025.

Heidelberg Materials UK CEO Simon Willis said “The construction sector faces global challenges such as climate change and the digitalisation of our industry; challenges we are better placed to meet as a strong, united group. Having a single brand name and identity sends a clear and consistent message to our increasingly global customers.” Willis added “It will allow us to work together to lead the field in driving down carbon emissions; promote the circular economy by recycling and reusing construction waste; develop digital solutions to provide added value to our customers and develop sustainable and innovative building materials.”

India: UltraTech Cement sold 26.7Mt of cement during the second quarter of the 2024 financial year (1 July – 30 September 2023). This corresponds to year-on-year growth of 16% from 23.1Mt in the second quarter of the previous financial year. Sales in India accounted for 25.7Mt (96%) of total volumes, while overseas sales accounted for 1.18Mt (4%).

UltraTech Cement has a cement capacity of 138Mt/yr across its 23 cement plants and 29 grinding units.