The Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce has reported that 85,300t of imported cement is expected in the island this month.

This is in addition to the production expected from Caribbean Cement Company Limited, which could range from 60,000 to 80,000t.

Speaking with JIS News, Senior Director of Policy and Planning in the Ministry, Reginald Budhan outlined that five companies have indicated their intention to import cement this month. Caribbean Cement Company Limited will be importing 25,500 tonnes; ARC Systems, 11,900 tonnes; Mainland, 35,000 tonnes; Tankweld, 5,000 tonnes, and Duro Chemicals, 6,000t.

Mr. Budhan added that of the total expected for this month, Caribbean Cement Company Limited has already received 1,900 tonnes from Venezuela. This shipment arrived on June 2.

He said the cement company reported that it had satisfied its demand for bulk cement by selling 14,500 tonnes last week, and is currently in the process of converting some of its bulk cement stock to meet the demand for the bagged product. The company said that it would provide to the market this week, 16,000 tonnes of bagged cement and 5,600 tonnes of bulk cement.

The Senior Director also informed that, "the large users of cement are now building up their inventories to restart their projects as soon as supplies appear stable".