Global Cement News

Italy: Italcementi has reported that its revenue fell by 6.2% to Euro2.16bn for the first half of 2013 from Euro2.30bn in the same period in 2012. The Italian-based cement producer commented that, despite the decrease in sales volumes, its revenue reduction was smaller (3.6%) in the second quarter of 2013.

"Our programme to contain fixed costs together with close control of variable costs enabled us to lower our breakeven point, slightly ahead of our targets, despite continuing difficulties in market conditions, especially in Italy," said Italcementi group chief operating officer Giovanni Ferrario.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 10.6% to Euro299m from Euro334m. The group posted a loss for the period of Euro43.3m compared with a profit of Euro1.3m in the first half of 2012, when gains of Euro8.6m were reported on the sale of its subsidiaries Afyon and Fuping. Net debt for the period was broadly unchanged for the period at Euro2bn.

Overall cement sales fell by 7.1% to 21.8Mt. By region, cement sales fell by 12.4% to 7.2Mt in Central Western Europe and by 11.7% to 6.9Mt in Emerging Europe, North Africa and Middle East. Cement sales rose by 1% to 2Mt in North America and by 5.3% in Asia. In the cement business, for the second quarter the group reported a significant reduction in the decline in Europe and Morocco, positive performance in North America and stability in sales in Asia. Sales volumes in Egypt were affected by difficulties in fuel procurement. A particular poor performance in Italy was singled out.

In its outlook, Italcementi speculated that its results in the second half of 2013 should be in line with the second half of 2012 due to market improvements in selected countries and the impact of cost cutting exercises, particularly in Italy and Spain. However, it warned that full-year profitability would be hit by the poor first quarter of 2013.

France: Ciments Français' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) have slowed their reduction year-on-year to 5.2% in the first half of 2013. The Italcementi subsidiary reported that sales recovered in the second quarter of 2013.

In the first half of 2012 EBITDA fell by 17.1% year-on-year. In the first half of 2013 EBITDA fell year-on-year by 5.2% to Euro305.4m from Euro323.6m from the same period in 2012. Revenue for the half year decreased by 4.2% to Euro1.83bn from Euro1.91bn. By quarter, revenue fell by 7.3% in the first quarter of 2013 but only fell by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2013.

Cement sales for the first half of 2013 fell by 4.8% to 19.2Mt. By region, cement sales fell by 5.8% to 4.5Mt in Western Europe and by 11.7% in Emerging Europe, North Arica and Middle East. Sales rose by 1% in North America and by 5.3% in Asia. By country, cement sales were particularly down in Egypt, due to fuel supply issues, and in Morocco.

In its outlook Ciments Français expected that its full year results would be comparable to those in 2012. However, market trends in territories such as Egypt present significant variables in making forecasts.

Spain: Cementos Molins has reported a drop of 58% in its profit for the first half of 2013 to Euro8.3m. The Spanish cement producer announced a loss of Euro22.4m which was offset by a Euro30.7m net profit registered abroad. It reported sales of Euro416m. The company's net debt was reduced year-on-year by Euro7m to Euro309m.

Nepal: The Nepalese government has released plans to spend US$4m on building access roads to 14 cement plants. According to the Katmandu Post it is part of a US$12.5m industrial promotion policy to build roads, electricity transmission lines and sub-stations for cement plants across the country.

"Only those cement factories that produce clinker by using local limestone will receive the facility," said Industry Secretary Krishna Gyanwali. The government plans to complete construction of access roads for five cement factories - Ghorahi Cement, Rolpa Cement, United Cement, Shivam Cement and Nigale Cement - within the current fiscal year.

Atmaram Murarka, president of the Cement Manufacturers' Association, commented that previous government infrastructure development upgrades had not occurred. The government originally announced the scheme in the 2008 – 09 fiscal year.

Tanzania: The Tanzanian government has formed a seven person team to investigate alleged subsidies, tax evasion and the quality of cement imported from Pakistan. Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Abdallah Kigoda, said that the team will help to understand the quality, manufacturing cost and selling price of cement from Pakistan to help in creation of fair competition in the local market.

The team comprises experts from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, local cement manufacturers, Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), Tanzania Bureau of Standards, Fair Competition Commission and Tanzania Revenue Authority.

In 2012, over 200,000t of cement was imported from Pakistan to Tanzania and in 2013 over 300,000t had been imported, according to Director of Policy and Advocacy with CTI, Hussein Kamote. Currently Tanzania has a demand for cement of 4Mt/yr with a cement production capacity of 3Mt/yr.