Algeria: Gica launches 1.5Mt import tender

Algerian cement company Gica launched a tender for the importation of 1.5Mta of cement with the first delivery of 0.95Mt due early July.

The imports are expected to alleviate the cement shortage in the country, which currently has a demand exceeding 20Mt but only 17Mt in national output.

Two technical stoppages have occurred during the year and in addition, Lafarge halted operations at two works in the past two weeks. This at a time when Algeria has commenced a housing programme that will see the construction of 650,000 units.

In 2012, Gica imported over 2.5Mt of cement and expects further imports in 2013. To meet the growing domestic demand, the company plans to double output with a ALD350bn investment. Four cement plants – Tamanrasset, Ain Salah, Oum El Bouaghi and Relizane – are currently under study. Extensions with a capacity of 2Mta are also under way at Chlef, Beni Saf and Ain El Kebira. At Zahana, an additional 1.5Mta is planned while at Meftah and Tébessa a further 2Mta will be added.