Kazakhstan producer Steppe Cement said its 2013 revenue was 8.7 per cent higher YoY, as demand in the central Asian country increased by an estimated 13 per cent to 8.1Mt during 2013.

The company generated revenues of KZT19.47bn during the year, up from KTZ17.91bn in 2012.

Cement sales reached 1.37Mt, up from 1.35Mt in 2012m an increase of 1.3 per cent. Steppe said this gave it a market share of 17 per cent.

The average price for delivered cement, excluding VAT, was KZT14,425/t, compared to KZT13,272/t in 2012.  The average ex-factory price stood at KZT12,118/t or US$79/t.

Steppe said commissioning of Line 5 continues and in January the company plans to start the milling and circulation of the raw meal, run the coal mill, and test the kiln and cooler, weather permitting.