Mexican cement prices continue upward trend

Mexican cement prices in December were noted to reach one of its highest peaks and the rise has continued into the new year, according to local press reports.

Results from a poll by Banamex, shows the average price of cement in Mexico has reached MXP123/bag, up 0.6 per cent over December prices.

Most regions experienced a minimal price rise or remained unchanged except for the cities of Merida and Yucatan where they rose three per cent, while in Mexico City and Aguascalientes, prices went up by one per cent.

In Guadalajara, Tijuana and Chihuahua were unchanged and Monterrey recorded a slight decline of one per cent.

According to the Bamamex survey, the leading producers showed a mixed trend in their increases. Cemex, for example, reported a three per cent decline, Moctezuma prices were down one per cent while Holcim and Cruz Azul rose one per cent.

Last year Cemex noted that it would raise prices by three per cent to compensate for rising energy costs across its cement, concrete and aggregate businesses. Cemex Vice President of Planning and Finance, Fernando Gonzalez, said that with such adjustments it would cover expected increases in energy prices, while continuing with efforts and efficiency savings in fuel. However, these adjustments have not been reflected in the domestic market as yet, reports Milenio press.