Suez Cement, one of Egypt’s largest listed cement makers, plans to begin importing clinker and bagged cement to meet growing demand in the Egyptian market, the company said.

Suez Cement, whose five plants are operating at full capacity, said in a statement it would import 25,000t of clinker from Croatia and Cyprus in July. A first shipment of 7000t from Croatia was due to arrive on July 16.

The company was also finalising arrangements to import bagged cement to help satisfy market demand, it said.

“Local demand increased significantly. It increased 25 per cent (in the first half of 2009) compared to the previous year. So since we are working at full capacity, we are not able to sustain the growing demand,” Reuters quoted media officer Zena Spinelli said. She added demand was expected to remain high ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan as builders work to finish major construction projects.