South African cement sales increased by 22 per cent YoY in January 2012 to 779,003t compared to 638,749t in 2011, data released by the Cement and Concrete Institute (CNCI) showed.

The moving annual total for the last 12 months was up five per cent YoY to 11.37Mt and also had two less selling days that the year before.

Earlier this month, the country’s leading producer Pretoria Portland Cement, said it was cautiously optimistic on the country’s outlook this year.

“Current trends in cement demand and prices should improve results during the first half of our 2012 financial year,” the company said in a statement on Monday.

Phase 1 of our Western Cape modernisation project, the ZAR280 upgrade of kiln 6 at De Hoek factory is on track for completion during April 2012. The final EIA report for Phase 2, at its Riebeeck factory, has been submitted to authorities.

PPC said it continued to focus on opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. "Although the global economic turmoil continues, we remain cautiously optimistic regarding the outlook for cement demand in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Current trends in cement demand and prices should result in improved results during the first half of our 2012 financial year," the company said.