Canada: The federal carbon tax, set to increase to US$37.64/t in 2022 from C$15.06/t as of January 2019, may drive Canadian businesses abroad to polities with less stringent climate laws, most notably the US. The Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan public policy think-tank, has named cement and concrete product manufacturing amongst the 13 industries most heavily affected, with a forecasted rise in production costs of 2.69%.
Hoffmeier’s mill shells on course for Dubai
UAE: Three mill shells for iron ore processing have been constructed and successfully conveyed to Antwerp today by Hoffmeier. From there, they will embark for a productive life in the UAE.
Argos’ Harleyville cement plant receives Energy Star certification for the second year running
US: The Environmental Protection Agency has recognised Cementos Argos’ South Carolina Harleyville Plant’s commitment to sustainable development in the United States with a second Energy Star. The award acknowledges energy efficiency and preservation of environmental resources 25% above that of comparable facilities across the US. The plant joins Argos’ consecutive Energy Star-holding plants at Newberry, Florida and Roberta, Alabama.
Tianrui Cement raises prices to grow profit in first half of 2019
China: Tianrui Cement’s revenue rose by 27.6% year-on-year to US$778m in the first half of 2018 from US$610m in the same period in 2017. Its profit grew by 63.9% to US$131m from US$80m. Its cement sales volumes rose by 9.8% to 14.6Mt. Sales increased faster in Central China than Northeastern China. It attributed the result to its market strategy and increased prices.
