North Korea: The North Korea government says that it will supply 10,000t/yr of cement to every city and county in the country. The new target will help to fulfil the aims of the January 2021 Five Year Plan, under which the state aims to build 10,000 apartments/year in Pyongyang and 5000 apartments/year in Komdok. The 38 North project has reported that in order to realise this vision, it plans to establish 8.0Mt/yr of new capacity via upgrades and new projects by January 2026.

In March 2021 a North Korean delegation visited a Chinese cement plant to learn about modern cement production.

Italy: Taiwan-based Taiwan cement has agreed to acquire Engie’s 60% stake in battery and hydrogen power systems supplier Engie EPS. The aggregate value of the deal is Euro132m. The producer expects to close the deal in mid-late 2021, whereupon it will launch an all-cash mandatory tender offer for the company’s remaining shares. Taiwan Cement said that the transaction would provide the cornerstone for its strategic global blueprint in the future.

Brazil: Federal police in Pernambuco have launched an investigation into the alleged involvement of organised crime in João Santos Group, the owner of Cimento Nassau. 53 search warrants have been issued in four Brazilian states with the involvement of over 240 police officers, according to the Valor Econômico newspaper. The police are looking into allegations of asset diversions and tax evasion up to a value of around US$1.6bn.

China: Malaysia-based YTL Corporation has has sold its 100% stake in Zhejiang Hangzhou Dama Cement. The company acquired the producer in 2007. It operates a cement plant located in the Lin’an district of Zhejiang Province. Executive chair Francis Yeoh said that it chose the time to sell based on the high current valuation of the subsidiary.

Managing director Datuk Seri Michael Yeoh Sock Siong said that the disposal was aligned with the group’s focus on becoming a regional cement industry leader in Southeast Asia. He said "Dama was our first substantial foray into China’s cement industry. The vital insight and knowledge that we have gained will be used in our plans to expand our operations within Southeast Asia."