US: Shipments of cement, including imports, in the US and Puerto Rico fell by 2.5% year-on-year to 80.7Mt in the first nine months of 2023 from 82.8Mt in the same period in 2022, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Shipments fell in most states with the exception of Texas and Pennsylvania. The USGS estimated that, in September 2023, 98% of all blended cement shipments were of Portland Limestone Cement. Turkey was the biggest exporter of cement to the country during the reporting period at 6.3Mt followed by Canada, Vietnam, Greece and Mexico.

Nigeria: BUA Cement has reportedly stated operations on the new 3Mt/yr Line 5 at its Sokoto cement plant. Local media has reported that inauguration will follow in January 2024, as scheduled.

Australia: MarketLine News has reported that CRH has offered to pay US$737m to raise its stake in Adbri to 57% from 4.6%. The consideration forms part of a non-binding offer for the company by CRH and Barro Group, both minority shareholders in Adbri.

UAE: Fujairah Cement Industries has announced an upcoming temporary suspension of despatches of cement from its Fujairah cement plant, commencing on 1 January 2024. Sales will remain suspended until at least mid-February 2024 to the start of March 2024. During the suspension, the producer will carry out a ‘major’ refurbishment of the plant.