Global Cement News

Saudi Arabia: Al Jouf Cement reported a net loss of US$7.39m in 2024, compared to a net profit of US$10.04m in 2023. Sales fell by 5% year-on-year to US$68.4m from US$71.8m in December 2023. In the nine months to 30 September 2024, net profit declined by 31% to US$8.17m.

Bahrain: New rules have placed strict demands on local producers and importers. A regulation signed by Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro requires all cement sold in Bahrain to meet BS EN 197-1 and GSO ASTM C150 standards and be circulated with a conformity certificate from the Bahrain Standards and Metrology Directorate. News of Bahrain has reported that there will be regular laboratory testing, specific storage and transport conditions, and penalties for non-compliance. The move reportedly marks a push to raise the standard of construction materials.

Pakistan: Fauji Cement has launched a 26MW Ashar Navaid Solar Park at its Nizampur plant. The new solar facility will generate an average of 41,600MW/yr of renewable electricity.

Ghana: CBI Ghana has invested US$100m in a new plant in Tema to produce limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) using local raw materials, to reduce reliance on imported clinker.

Commercial director of Supacem Kobby Adams said that the Ghana Standards Authority’s adoption of the GS PAS 5:2024 LC3 standard enabled the launch, following collaboration with local universities and international partners. According to Graphic Business news, the current clinker scarcity and its escalating prices stemmed from a 6% currency depreciation between December 2024 and February 2025 and the evolving global market uncertainties, including an increase in clinker export prices from the Mediterranean.

The project reportedly created over 160 direct jobs through local sourcing and infrastructure development in Tema and Torgome.

US: Mexico-based GCC has concluded two bank loan agreements totalling US$135m to fund the expansion of its cement plant in Odessa, Texas. The loans have five- and ten-year maturities respectively, and will support development at the site. GCC did not provide further details in its statement.

It said “These facilities reflect GCC's continued commitment to strengthen its operating and financial performance, while increasing the company's financial flexibility.”

In addition to the Odessa plant, the producer has cement plants in Rapid City, South Dakota; Trident, Montana; Tijeras, New Mexico; and Pueblo, Colorado.