Issue introduction

How a new generation of digital solutions can help to insulate cement manufacturers from the impact of an escalating trade confrontation...

Global Cement presents its annual numerical analysis of our sector ahead of the print release of the Global Cement Directory 2019. The top 10 countries and producers are once again listed along with, for the first time, cement production forecasts for major markets.

Fans are the unruly teenagers of the cement plant. They often do what they shouldn’t and don’t do what they should. If we can understand why they behave as they do, they can be helped to fit better into their surroundings and maximise their output.

A major theme of 2018 has been continued readjustment by the major cement producing countries and companies as they cope with a global excess of clinker and grapple with the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions. In China this has meant reducing overall production. For the non-Chinese multinationals, this has meant leaving slowgrowth territories to boost profits. Many other cement players and their suppliers have faced new opportunities and obstacles. Here we present Global Cement’s take on 2018’s major news stories...