Zimbabwe: Sino Zimbabwe sales decline

Sales for Sino Zimbabwe Cement Company (SZCC) have declined by 15 per cent in the first quarter, in comparison with the same period last year. A further decline in sales this quarter has been projected by the company, which has cited a difficult operating environment and liquidity problems as some of the reasons for the decline.

Wang Yong, SZCC managing director, said that the situation had been worsened by the smuggling of cheaper cement, mainly from South Africa. He also said a poor agricultural season had caused a negative impact on sales.

Despite a fall in sales, the company is continuing with its vigorous marketing strategies as is now a dominant player is the Midlands province of Zimbabwe.

After Pretoria Portland Cement and Lafarge, SZCC is the third largest cement producer in the country. The Gweru-based company produces 0.4Mt of cement per year and commands 25 per cent market share.