Global Cement News

Ukraine/Russia: The Ukrainian government has imposed an embargo on Russian-manufactured cement and plywood in response to Russia’s ban on the entry of Ukrainian goods to the Russian market. The Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry recommended to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine that imports be blocked for the following goods: Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, slag cement, sulphate resistant cement and similar hydraulic cement varieties, pigmented and non-pigmented, finished or clinker, as well as glue wood, lamwood panels and similar materials made from laminated wood.

Ukraine imported an estimated US$17m worth of cement products from Russia in 2018. The latest sanctions follow a block by Russia on goods from Ukraine in mid-April 2019.

Belarus: President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has demanded that the local cement industry improve its efficiency and increase its exports. He made the comments following the approval of the appointment of Alyaksandr Dawhala as the new chief executive officer of Belarusian Cement, according to the Belapan news agency. He noted that export sales were improving with a focus on the European Union although key markets also include Poland, Latvia and Ukraine.

Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects San Miguel Corporation’s acquisition of a majority stake in Holcim Philippines to reduce the price of locally produced cement. Trade Secretary Ramon M Lopez said that he expected operational synergies and economies of scale to ‘hopefully’ bring down prices, according to the BusinessWorld newspaper. He also noted that import duties on imports of cement could also provide a ‘healthy competitive environment.’

San Miguel Corporation agreed to purchase LafargeHolcim’s 85.7% share in Holcim Philippines in early May 2019. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

France: Fives Group has tested using its FCB Rhodax cone crusher to process concrete wastes resulting from the demolition and deconstruction industry. During an internal innovation competition, the crusher was used to sort hydrated cement paste from the aggregates and sand. The development will enable cement producers to reuse the paste as a cement additive. Ready mixed concrete producers will be able to make new concrete using the recycled aggregates and sand allowing for a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Fives hopes to turn demolition concrete waste into a valuable commodity.

India: The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) plans to invest around US$140m towards developing dry ports and related infrastructure as well as buying more railway wagons. The government-controlled organisation, under the remit of the Ministry of Railways, intends to target the cement industry, according to the New Indian Express newspaper. V Kalyana Rama, the chairman and managing director of CONCOR, said that the company wants to increase transportation of bulk cement in the country to reduce inefficiencies.