Colombia: Data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) shows that the volume of grey cement produced in September 2022 grew by 4.1% year-on-year to 1.28Mt. 1.19Mt was sold domestically, a 2.1% rise. Around 90,000t of cement was exported.

The volume produced in the first nine months of 2022 increased by 7.9% year-on-year to 10.9Mt. The total volume sold domestically over the same period was 10.1Mt, a 5.7% rise, with 750,000t exported.

North Korea: State media in Pyongyang has stated that the Hysan Cement plant has carried out its yearly plan ahead of schedule and has produced ‘thousands more tonnes’ of cement than forecast. The factory was reported to have implemented dozens of ‘valuable inventions,’ which reportedly allowed it to increase production by 20% so far in 2022 relative to its total production volume for 2021.

Argentina: Shipments of cement fellby 1.3% year-on-year to 1.14Mt in October 2022. This was the first decrease following nine consecutive months of year-on-year growth, according to the Portland Cement Manufacturers Association (AFCP).

In the first 10 months of 2022 the country produced 10.9Mt of cement, a rise of 9.5% year-on-year compared to the same period in 2021. The entire volume was consumed domestically with no exports.

The AFCP’s provisional projections for 2022 show a total production estimate of 13.2Mt that, if realised, would represent growth of 8.9% year-on-year compared to 2021, as well as the highest volume since 2017.

Saudi Arabia: Yamama Cement has announced the signing of a contract to transfer its seventh cement line from its old factory to its new plant location. The project, which follows similar moves for other lines, will start in the first quarter of 2023 and cost an estimated US$220m. The company expects the project to be completed during the second half of 2025.

The project, to be overseen by China-based Sinoma Overseas Development, will include dismantling, transporting and reinstalling the equipment, in line with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision to keep pace with its many development projects. After the trial run period is completed, it is expected to have a positive impact on the company's financial results.