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Building on diversification

15 February 2021, Published under Cement News

Kuwait has seen its economy heavily impacted by the crisis in oil prices, a lack of diversity and the COVID-19 pandemic. A lack of investment in infrastructure has further seen demand fall for the cement sector, which relies on several importers as well as domestic cement producers. Building ACICO’s new grinding unit, Ball Mill 4, which is scheduled for commissioning in the 1Q21 Kuwait’s economy remains largely dependent on the oil sector, which accounted for more than 90 per ce...

Nigeria: search for new markets

19 January 2021, Published under Cement News

While Nigerian cement volumes rose sharply in the 3Q20 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited room for strong volume and price growth. For the oligopolistic domestic cement industry, competitive pressures are a central theme and cost efficiencies remain key. Given challenges locally, new export opportunities could potentially be opening up. By Afrinvest, Nigeria. For Nigeria’s cement industry, competitive pressures remain important despite the sharp rise in domestic volumes i...

Great expectations?

05 January 2021, Published under Cement News

While the start of 2020 saw optimism, COVID-19 quickly altered the view of even the most ardent optimist. As cement demand tumbled with construction sites going silent so did the sector’s initial confidence. However, at the end of the year, cement markets are recovering and there are expectations that 2021 may turn out better than initially thought. By Paul Roger, Exane BNP Paribas, UK. Figure 1: YoY cement consumption growth, 2021E What a 12 months it has been for the global ce...

Philippines: poised to rebound?

02 December 2020, Published under Cement News

Having being one of southeast Asia’s strongest performers in recent years, the Philippines construction and cement industries have been hit by the impact of COVID-19 during the 1H20. However, the easing of restrictions, some positive economic indicators and pent-up demand could lead to cement consumption bouncing back in 2021. By Jagdeep Verma, Holtec Consulting, India. Holtec India endeavours to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the Philippines cement industry and share its views ...

Saudi: a belief in brighter days

17 November 2020, Published under Cement News

Some of the shine has been taken off Saudi Arabia’s cement market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and lower oil prices. However, the sector remains relatively healthy and the housing market is expected to continue driving demand, while the implementation of mega projects could be a game-changing catalyst. By EFG Hermes, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s long-term potential trumps short-term challenges Despite the COVID-19 shock, cement demand in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow ...

India: beyond the headwinds

03 November 2020, Published under Cement News

India has become the second-worst affected country by the COVID-19 health crisis. Consequently, construction activity has taken a hit and cement demand saw a dramatic collapse in the April-June 2020 quarter. As the pandemic continues to play out, ICR assesses the impact on domestic cement producers and prospects for recovery. As COVID-19 exerts unprecedented stress on India’s cement industry, ICR looks at the latest available data to date for the April-June 2020 period and...

Côte d’Ivoire: year of uncertainty

19 October 2020, Published under Cement News

With COVID-19 affecting economic activity throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the cement market in Côte d’Ivoire faces a particularly uncertain year as presidential elections and a political crisis add further factors of volatility to the sector. In addition, new plant projects provide extra capacity in an industry that is already subject to over-capacity. By Limak Holding, Turkey. The cement market of Côte d’Ivoire continues to provide some opportunities going forward, but overcapacity...

Germany: leading the recovery

05 October 2020, Published under Cement News

The German cement sector has fared better than most during the pandemic. Cement demand is forecast to remain stable this year, with a more cautious outlook for 2021. Meanwhile, producers are embracing the latest technology for a leaner, greener manufacturing base. HeidelbergCement’s plant at Burglengenfeld, Germany, was modernised in 2017-18 with a new kiln, baghouse and SNCR system Germany’s economic growth slowed to 0.6 per cent in 2019 from 1.5 per cent the previous year,...

Turkey: looking to the future

21 September 2020, Published under Cement News

Following two consecutive years of cement market contraction, Turkey began 2020 on a more hopeful note with first-quarter production, demand and exports ahead. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a setback that the cement sector is looking to overcome through its strong export base and new construction projects. By Dr Tamer Saka, Turkish Cement Manufacturers’ Association (TÇMB), Turkey. The Turkish cement sector is preparing to overcome the impact of COVID-19 after a posit...

Creating France’s post-COVID-19 landscape

14 September 2020, Published under Cement News

While the coronavirus pandemic has affected France’s construction sector, going forward there are new opportunities for domestic cement producers as they support a shift in focus, creating a different landscape to address climate change. By Syndicat Français de l’Industrie Cimentière (SFIC), France. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in France, domestic cement output had increased by 4.4 per cent in January and market growth accelerated to 5.2 per cent in February, according to I...