Cement News tagged under: Prices

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Impact of COVID-19 on global cement markets

01 June 2020, Published under Cement News

Over the course of just a few months the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the global cement market landscape completely and, as the situation continues to unfold, visibility is low. Within the context of this unprecedented experience, Paul Roger, head of Exane BNP Paribas’ building materials team, gives his view on cement demand growth in 2020 and 2021, as well as thoughts on whether cement pricing will hold and what the industry can do to protect cash flow. He also underlines why...

Petcoke market sees prices slump

22 May 2020, Published under Cement News

Hit by the coronavirus, petcoke prices fell as the Mediterranean market contracted. Demand declined as the cement and construction sectors reduced their output amid lockdown restrictions. A Spain-based trader said he had heard “some inquiries over the place (Japan, Pakistan, India, China, Denmark, Guatemala, etc to name some) but not real closures yet. Not much really at Med. Only running countries are Egypt and Turkey, but both ended 2019 on high clinker stocks thus demand now is not grea...

Indian prices expected to rise as demand falls

20 May 2020, Published under Cement News

Indian cement prices are expected to rise by INR15-20/bag (US$0.19-0.26) due to supply constraints, despite dealers across the country expecting demand to fall by 30 per cent on the back of stalled construction projects, reports analytics agency Crisil. However, over the medium term, the price hike is expected to be rolled back due to the low demand and rising competition. The delay in construction work is expected to be anywhere between 4-6 months, depending on the lockdown outcomes. ...

Abay Cement plant now 60% complete

19 May 2020, Published under Cement News

The construction of Abay Cement Factory in Amhara, Ethiopia, is now 60 per cent complete and will commence operations next year, according to Samuel Halala, director of the Ethiopian Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development Institute. The 2.5Mta project is being developed by Abay Industrial Development Association. On average, cement plants in the country are using around 60 per cent of their production capacity, stated Mr Halala. He also noted that the price of cement has su...

Colombia: market in transition

18 May 2020, Published under Cement News

Following a poor performance in recent years, the Colombian cement sector seems to be on the cusp of a new era. Although the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is yet to be understood, a steady pipeline of construction projects over the next few years should support rising cement prices and a positive cement demand forecast, argues Bancolombia. By Jairo Julian Aquedelo Restrepo, Bancolombia, Colombia. Ecocementos is Colombia’s newest cement market entrant having started operations in ...

Chinese cement prices recover as work restarts

27 March 2020, Published under Cement News

Cement prices in China have shown signs of recovery as works in the country resume, according to Xinhua-run Shanghai Securities News. Cement producers in the northwest announced a price increase of their cement products by CNY20-64/t (US$2.82-9.03/t). In the eastern province of Zheijiang some cement products are also had prices increased by CNY10/t. In addition, there have been reports of various parts of the cement industry supply chain gradually recovering. As of March 20, the operating...

Andhra Pradesh producers to reduce prices for government projects

18 March 2020, Published under Cement News

Cement companies based in Andhra Pradesh, India, have decided to reduce cement prices for government projects following a request from the state’s Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. PPC has been priced at INR225 (US$3.03), while OPC is around INR235. These prices are the lowest compared to that of any year between FY15-16 and FY19-20, according to The Hans India. The estimated requirement of cement for the Department of Housing alone is 4Mt for the year. Representatives from compani...

China’s cautious confidence

04 March 2020, Published under Cement News

With most provinces reporting a growth in cement output, Chinese cement companies enjoyed a bountiful year in 2019, supported by stronger peak-season demand and stable, high prices. For 2020 industry sentiment is one of cautious confidence despite a forecast indicating that demand will slip slightly. Furthermore, the current coronavirus outbreak is also expected to affect cement demand in the first half of the year. By Fei Chen and Bailin Chen, China Cement Association, China. Improvi...

Cement prices in El Salvador largely stable in 2019

12 February 2020, Published under Cement News

The ex-works cement price in El Salvador remained unchanged at US$7.57/42.5kg bag, reports the country’s construction chamber, Casalco. The retail price of a 42.5kg bag of cement increased from US$8.28 in January to peak at US$8.45 in June but then slipped to US$8.32 in August to a new high of US$8.37 in October. It closed the year at US$8.31, resulting in an average price of US$8.38 for the year.

Cement price rises further in Congo DR

04 February 2020, Published under Cement News

A shortage of cement is driving up prices in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The price of a 50kg bag of 32-grade cement has increased to CDF14,300 (US$8.46) from CDF14,000. For 42.5-grade cement the price has risen from 14,700 to 15,000/50kg bag. At retail level, prices vary between COF16,000-18,000.