China: Anhui Conch’s revenues fell by 9% year-on-year to US$5.77bn in the first half of 2025 from US$6.37bn in the same period in 2025. Its net profit grew by 32% to US$587m from US$445m. Its net sales of cement and clinker remained stable at 127Mt. The group said that despite facing “insufficient demand, intensified competition and volatile market conditions” it managed to improve its efficiency, reduce operation costs and expand its market. Notable cement sector achievements during the reporting period included signing a deal to buy selected assets from West China Cement in China, acquiring Conch West Papua Cement in Indonesia and completing a 5000t/day production line at Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Riyadh Cement and National Center for Waste Management test iron slag in OPC
Saudi Arabia: The National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) completed a five-month trial with Riyadh Cement on the use of iron slag in ordinary Portland cement, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The study used 1274t of slag and showed that adding 1 - 2% improved the cement’s properties. MWAN said that the results confirm the feasibility of using industrial byproducts to cut waste and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Savannah Cement acquired for US$29.4m
Kenya: A group of four flour mill owners and associates has acquired Savannah Cement for US$29.4m, according to local press. The producer had been under administration for two years after it owed lenders KSB and Absa Bank debts of US$108m. The Competition Authority of Kenya approved the deal on 25 August 2025 without conditions, saying it posed no competition or public interest concerns.
Thai cement demand forecast to fall by 6% in 2025
Thailand: Domestic cement sales are expected to decline by 5.5% year-on-year to 34.7Mt in 2025 due to a contraction in private construction, particularly new housing projects, according to local press. In the first quarter of 2025, sales rose by 9.6% to 8.8Mt. Government projects will continue to expand but at a slower pace than in 2024, which is reportedly insufficient to offset weaker private demand. Political uncertainty may delay the 2026 budget and new project bidding, which could impact demand for government construction projects from late 2025 into 2026.
