The Indian cement sector continues to face a number of issues which have been heightened by weaker-than-expected demand following the monsoon season. This article brings recent developments to the forefront and explores whether an improved outlook can be anticipated.

India’s cement industry has once again hit the stumbling blocks. Despite an encouraging start to 2012, cement demand during the post-monsoon season (June-September) failed to take off which resulted in weaker prices and reduced profit margins. The initial months of calendar year 2013 have failed to bring any real cheer to the sector, but with capacity additions expected to slow, cost pressures set to rise at a slower rate and hopes that next year’s general election will spur demand, could the recent pressures felt by producers start to ease?