Global Cement News

China: China Tianrui Group Cement settled a term loan facility on 9 January 2023. Reuters has reported the value of the facility as US$30m.

Argentina: Portland Cement Manufacturers Association (AFCP) members sold of cement sold 13Mt of cement in 2022, up by 7% year-on-year. Local press reported that sales volumes were at their highest since 2012. Exports dropped by 24% year-on-year to 83,300t, from 115,000t.

Dominican Republic: The Dominican Association of Portland Cement Producers (ADOCEM) has declared 2023 a year of strength in the cement industry, as it celebrates the 75-year anniversary of the start of cement production in the country. CNIN News has reported that the Dominican Republic's cement industry contributed US$764m/yr to the national economy, 0.8% of gross domestic product (GDP).

ADOCEM president Félix González said “The cement industry has contributed decisively to our national stability, not only through quality jobs and contributions to the treasury, but also by successfully meeting local demand and contributing to international exports, despite cost-related challenges."

Vietnam: Vicem recorded full-year sales of US$1.68bn during 2022, up by 17% year-on-year. The producer sold 27.5Mt of cement, down by 6.7% year-on-year. Export sales volumes declined more sharply than those on the domestic market. Vicem responded to the cost impacts of economic disruptions arising from the on-going Russian invasion of Ukraine by raising its cement prices. Nonetheless, its profit fell by 30% year-on-year to US$63.9m.

Vietnam News Summary has reported that Vicem is aiming to achieve sales growth of 4% year-on-year in 2023, to US$1.74bn. Export sales growth prospects are strong, since China resumed its import of foreign goods at the end of December 2022. China consumed 54% of all Vietnamese cement exports in 2021.

Philippines: Holcim Philippines carried out 70 upgrades aimed at increasing automation in its operations during 2022. The projects aim to optimise cement production, generate cost savings and ensure best safety practices. The Manila Times has reported that new Industry 4.0 initiatives include equipment monitoring systems offering 90-day performance projections, software capable of predicting cement's strength development and drones to replace visual inspections in remote spaces.

Holcim Philippines said that it is currently exploring the use of new predictive technologies in its operations.