Global Cement News

Pakistan: The government of Punjab Province has approved five cement plant plans worth a total of US$1.25bn. The Frontier Post newspaper has reported that Chief Minister Usman Buzdar chaired a cabinet meeting in which No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were issued to five planned cement plant projects.

Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has raised the import duty per 40kg bag of cement to US$0.20 from US$0.19. The Manila Bulletin newspaper has reported that the department issued the administrative order following a petition from the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP). The petition suggested a US$0.25/bag levy as an effective means to maintain domestic cement production. The association has blamed growing imports on a surplus in countries such as Vietnam.

The DTI previously imposed tariffs on imported cement for three year from October 2019 with a staggered reduction in the duty. However, the DTI said it would review the safeguard measure in order to modify the rate as it deemed necessary.

Indonesia/Japan: Taiheiyo Cement and Semen Indonesia have finalised a collaboration agreement with the aim of building a comprehensive partnership, including consultations on promotion and sale of cement and clinker. Taiheiyo Cement said, “The business alliance is for business collaboration and research and development of cement, resources, environment, building materials and more.”

In accordance with the agreement Taiheiyo Cement will buy shares in Semen Indonesia’s subsidiary Solusi Bangun Indonesia, formerly Holcim Indonesia. The deal is expected to be completed in early 2021. In April 2020 Taiheiyo Cement agreed to buy a 15% stake in Solusi Bangun Indonesia for between US$186m and US$232m.

Mexico: Cemex subsidiary Cemex Ventures has invested in excavation materials marketplace Soil Connect. The online platform says that it connects the supply and demand algorithmically based on the users' proximity and needs. It is mainly used for aggregates. In digitising the marketplace it reduces landfill while lowering transportation distances, according to the investor. It says that this results in tremendous cost savings for construction professionals. This also promotes circular economy within the sector.

Cemex Ventures’ investment head Cristina Aparicio said, "For any relevant actor with a view to the future of our ecosystem, it is a priority to offer a solution to the millions of tonnes of materials that are generated annually in demolition projects, since much of the construction materials of tomorrow come from the projects to be demolished. We are very excited about this agreement with the Soil Connect team, which has created a business that adds value, both to those who generate the waste and to those who need construction material, prioritising this tool that provides agility."

Brazil: The National Cement Industry Association (SNIC) has predicted cement sales in 2020 to rise by 10% year-on-year to 60Mt. Valor International News has reported that president Paulo Camillo Penna said, “If in 2021 we maintain the 60Mt we expect to reach this year, or have some progress beyond this volume, it will be a very satisfactory result considering the high uncertainties ahead."