Cement News tagged under: Central America

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Caribbean Cement triples 1H profit

02 August 2021, Published under Cement News

Caribbean Cement’s profit for the first half of 2021 has tripled to JMD3bn (US$19.3m) from JMD1bn in the 1H20, on the back of stronger domestic demand. The company’s revenues increased 32 per cent YoY to JMD12.3bn. The increase in revenues and the improved efficiency in terms of operating cost control have been key in achieving the 1H21 results.

Puerto Rico sees first fall in sales since April 2020

30 July 2021, Published under Cement News

In June 2021, 1.3m bags, or 55,429t of cement were sold in Puerto Rico, according to the Banco de Desarrollo Económico.  This represents a YoY decline of 18.8 per cent from 68,220t, the first drop in sales since April last year. FY21 ended with a 31.7 per cent advance in sales from 12.4m bags, or 528,707t, to 16.3m bags, or 694,994.51m. The growth in sales is the highest in 12 years, according to Sin Comillas.

GCC reports 44% increase in 2Q net income

28 July 2021, Published under Cement News

GCC saw its consolidated net sales increased 18.1 per cent YoY to US$286.7m in the 2Q21 from US$242.8m in the 2Q20. EBITDA advanced 18.6 per cent YoY to US$97m in the 2Q21 from US$81.8m in the 2Q20. As a result, the EBITDA margin edged up from 33.7 per cent to 33.8 per cent over the same period. Net income increased 43.8 per cent to US$47.7m in the 2Q21 from US$33.2m in the year-ago period. In Mexico cement and ready-mix volumes increased 17.1 and 41.4 per cent, respectively. In the USA c...

GCC reports strong 2Q21 results and prepares for expansion

28 July 2021, Published under Cement News

GCC reported a net sales increase of 18 per cent in the 2Q21 and a rise in EBITDA of 19 per cent. The company’s net financial expenses totalled US$10m during this accounting period. GCC reported cement volumes rising by 11 per cent in the 2Q21 compared to eight per cent in 2020. Concrete sales fell by 17 per cent compared to a six per cent rise in the 2Q20. Commenting on guidance for the remainder of 2021, Enrique Escalante, GCC’s CEO said: “ Starting in Mexico, we now expect GCC’s cem...

Caribbean Cement Co 2 years accident free

27 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Cemex-owned Caribbean Cement Co Ltd is marking two years free from accidents at its Rockfort plant in Kingston, Jamaica. The milestone was officially reached on 15 July and fell within the company's observation of Health and Safety Week between 12-16 July. "It's a good feeling to know that we can break production records but at the same time keep our people safe, so this is definitely a big achievement. In the last 10 years, we have not been able to accomplish such a feat but now that we...

Rock Hard Distributors sees import restrictions claim dismissed

22 July 2021, Published under Cement News

The judicial review claim brought by Trinidad and Tobago-based Rock Hard Distributors and St Lucia-based Rock Hard Distribution Ltd against the Ministry of Trade and Industry against the ministry’s steps to introduce a quota on imported cement and a proposal to increase import duties was dismissed by Justice Jacqueline Wilson. The claim sought to challenge the decision made by the ministry on 13 November 2020 introduce import quota from 1 January, allowing only a total of 75,000tpa for all...

US Portland and blended cement demand up 19% in April

19 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Portland and blended cement shipments, including imports, in the USA and Puerto Rico, saw a 19 per cent YoY increase to 9.7Mt in April 2021, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The leading cement-consuming states were Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and Ohio, who accounted for a combined share of 40 per cent of total shipments. The leading producing states were Missouri, Texas, California, Florida and Alabama. Masonry cement deliveries were up 13 per cent YoY to 220,000t. The...

Cemento Rocafuerte opens Belize's first cement plant

07 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Cemento Rocafuerto, a subsidiary of Guatemala-based Cemento Progreso, has opened Belize’s first cement plant at Mile 34 of the George Price Highway, near the capital Belmopan, in the presence of the country’s Prime Minister, John Briceño. The 10ha plant represents an investment of US$8m and provides employment to 28 Belizeans. The plant uses European technology that meets modern environmental and quality standards. Company CEO, Jose Raul Gonzalez, emphasised, “We are proudly now producing ...

Modern milling in Mexico

06 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Encouraged by healthy construction demand and promising growth potential, two regional cement manufacturers have decided to invest in cement grinding facilities in Yucatán, Mexico. Both Cementos Fortaleza and Holcim México have entrusted Gebr Pfeiffer to deliver these facilities and the required capacity to satisfy immediate demand. By Rodney Pradet, Gebr Pfeiffer Americas, USA. Figure 1: illustration of a typical Gebr Pfeiffer ready2grind plant For some, thinking of the Yucatán...

Can Mexico’s fiesta continue?

05 July 2021, Published under Cement News

Despite initial concerns that Mexican cement demand would see a sharp contraction in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic consumption held up better than expected through the year. The early signs for 2021 are encouraging but, with a rollercoaster of expectations ahead, Credit Suisse asks how long can Mexico’s fiesta last? By Vanessa Quiroga, Credit Suisse, Mexico. Going forward, the picture for Mexican cement demand, exports and utilisation levels is promising. The outlook ...