Saudi Arabia’s cement production rose an annual 16 per cent in December and exports increased from the Arab world’s biggest economy.

December production was 3.83Mt compared with 3.31Mt a year earlier, according to industry data posted today on Yamamah Saudi Cement Co’s website. Exports rose eight percent to 139,000t from 129,000t a year earlier.

Saudi Arabia has 13 cement companies with an estimated annual production capacity of 49Mt, according to a report from NCB Capital.