Carthage Cement sees 2014 rise in sales but 1Q15 slips

Carthage Cement experienced a positive start to 2014 although faced a more challenging market environment in the second half of the year, according to the company’s 2014 annual report.

In 2014, Carthage Cement produced 1.346Mt of clinker and 1.022Mt of cement. While in the first five months, Tunisia’s cement market experienced growth, from June onwards, this decelerated and stalled. As a result, Carthage Cement increased its exports, including 216,819t to Algeria, and effectively positioned itself as the leading Tunisian exporter with a market share of 17 per cent.

In terms of business results, the Tunisian cement company noted an increase in turnover from TND11.948m (US$6.09m) in 2013 to TND133.937m one year later. While the aggregates division registered a fall of 17 per cent YoY, its cement division soared from TND11.948m to TND133.937m and ready-mix also noted a rise from TND16.513m to TND18.640m.

For the first quarter of 2015, cement production rose 114 per cent by volume and 59 per cent by value when compared with 1Q14. Clinker volumes reached 372,368t, up 59 per cent YoY. Aggregate sales were up three per cent while ready-mix sales edged up two per cent. Turnover in 1Q15 slipped from TND41.945m in 1Q14 to TND37.473m.