US: The United States Geological Service (USGS) reported total cement deliveries of 89.7Mt in the first 10 months of 2021, up by 3.5% year-on-year from 86.7Mt in the corresponding period of 2020. Imports over the period totalled 13.8Mt, up by 17% from 11.8Mt.

10-month clinker production was 65.1Mt in 2021, up by 0.5% from 64.8Mt in the first 10 months of 2020.

Pakistan: Power Cement has signed an agreement with Burj Solar Energy for the procurement of electricity on a fixed tariff for the next 20 years. The supplier plans to build a 7MW solar power plant to support the deal. The unit is expected to be operational by mid to late 2022. Power Cement said it took the decision to cut growing electricity costs.

Nigeria: Dangote Cement plans to buy back 1% of its issued shares under its on-going share buyback programme. The Business Post newspaper has reported that the group launched the first tranche of the programme in 2020. At that time, it bought back 0.2% of its shares. Dangote Cement will make the currently planned purchase when the second tranche commences on 19 January 2022.

Burundi: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has asked the Burundi Cement Company (BUCECO) to hold a consultation with the government about price rises the company announced at the end of December 2021. It also requested that the cement producer suspend the change in prices, according to the Le Renouveau newspaper. In correspondence the ministry reminded the company that it had benefited from tax and customs breaks previously agreed with the government under the Burundian Investment Code.