http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping.aspx en-uk editor@worldcement.com webmaster@worldcement.com http://www.worldcement.com/media/logo.gif Information on imports, exports, trading trends and shipping forecasts. http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Coming_soon_August_Regional_Insight.aspx This month's Regional Insight will focus on the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. The great Silk Road began life before the birth of Christ and lasted through until about the 14th century. In its time millions would have travelled along the routes as trade between east and west grew and developed through the centuries. 02/08/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Ciment_Français_sees_improved_Q2_after_slow_Q1.aspx At a meeting on 29 July chaired by Yves René Nanot, the Board of Directors of Ciments Français (Italcementi Group), examined and approved the consolidated accounts as of June 30, 2010. 30/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/HeidelbergCement_increases_turnover_and_operating_income.aspx HeidelbergCement’s Q2 results show rise in sales volumes of cement, concrete and aggregates. 30/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_sees_signs_of_improvement_in_key_markets .aspx Lafarge’s H1 results indicate the Group is definitely seeing signs of recovery, but this is being handled cautiously as efforts to reduce debt continue. 30/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/QNCC_bucking_the_trend.aspx Qatar National Cement Company has come in with a marginal increase in after-tax gains for this year’s first half results compared with the same period last year. 28/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cemex_releases_Q2_results.aspx Cemex has announced that consolidated net sales decreased 3% in the second quarter of 2010 to approximately US$3.8 billion versus the comparable period in 2009. 27/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/New_plant_for_Angola.aspx According to reports, a new 1.6 million tpa cement plant will be built by a three-way joint venture of Angolan and international investors. 27/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Consumption_on_the_increase_again.aspx Data collected in recent months (May and June) by Jeffries International confirms that international cement consumption is on the increase once again, and not only in the emerging markets. 26/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cement_producers_in_the_Philippines_to_request_import_duty.aspx Cement producers in the Philippines are to request that the 5% duty on imported cement be restored. 19/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/CRH_issues_interim_trading_statement_and_development_strategy_update.aspx CRH plc, the international building materials group, has issued this statement for the six months ended 30 June 2010. The Interim Results for 2010 are due to be announced on 24 August 2010. 07/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Indian_producers_release_June_shipment_figures.aspx Indian cement manufacturers have released their shipment and production figures for June. A range of results – both increases and decreases – have so far been reported. 02/07/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cam_Pha_plant_exports_first_clinker.aspx 15 000 t of clinker has left the Cam Pha plant in Vietnam, bound for the Middle East. 30/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Global_shipping_and_trade_trends .aspx Ohlsson International Ltd offers a brief overview of global dry bulk shipping trends. 30/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Dangote_Group_makes_moves_across_Africa.aspx The Dangote Group has invested in a new packaging plant in Ghana and has positioned its subsidiary in Nigeria to become an export hub. 28/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cement_prices_set_to_fall_in_India.aspx Cement prices in India are expected to drop 8 – 10% by the end of the week as producers feel the effects of weakening demand in the nation. 28/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/World_Cement_launches_Facebook_page_and_joins_Twitter.aspx You can now find World Cement on Facebook and Twitter social networking sites. 24/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Four_majors_in_race_for_Indian_producer.aspx Lafarge, CRH, HeidelbergCement and Italcementi are in a race to acquire Murli Industries in Maharashtra, India. 23/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/More_for_Mozambique.aspx Brazilian energy ministers cooperate with the Mozambican government on energy study. 23/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Akcansa_considers_investing_in_Azerbaijan.aspx Reports indicate that Turkish cement manufacturer Akcansa (a joint venture between the Sabanci Group and HeidelbergCement) is interested in entering the Azerbaijan market. 18/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Caribbean_Cement_Company,_Jamaica,_announces_price_increase.aspx Due to an increase in operation costs over recent months, Carribean Cement Company has announced a 3.2% increase in prices. 16/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Camargo_Correa_branches_out_again.aspx Continuing its bid for internationalisation, Camargo Correa Cimentos has acquired a controlling stake in Cimentos de Nacala in Mozambique. 14/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Bridging_the_Gaps_in_Turkey.aspx Turkey is often described as a crossroads linking the European Union, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Its global role is growing, but what impact has the global downturn had on this rapidly developing country? Paul Maxwell-Cook reviews recent developments and provides an update on the country’s cement industry in this article, taken from WORLD CEMENT’s June issue – available for subscribers to download now. 11/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Indian_cement_shipment_figures_on_the_rise_in_May.aspx Indian cement producers displayed a positive performance in May as shipments were on the increase. 08/06/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/FLSmidth_announces_new_contract_third_in_a_week.aspx FLSmidth has signed a contract worth €32.1 million (approximately DKK239 million) with Administración Nacional De Combustibles, Alcohol y Portland (ANCAP), a state-owned Uruguayan company. This follows two Tunisian contracts announced on 21st May. 28/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Prosperity_re-enters_into_Liaoning_JV.aspx Prosperity Minerals has agreed to purchase a 25% stake in Liaoning Changqing, a company that was previously transferred out of Properity’s ownership with the sale of most of its Chinese operations to TCC International Ltd. 26/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_and_STRABAG_join_forces_in_Central_Europe.aspx Lafarge and STRABAG are combining their cement activities in several countries of Central Europe. 26/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/HeidelbergCement_signs_agreement_with_IFC.aspx HeidelbergCement and the IFC have signed an agreement to increase the local supply of cement in sub-Saharan Africa. 24/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Titan_reports_Q1_results.aspx Titan Group Turnover for the first quarter of 2010 reached €286 million, down by 7% compared to the first quarter of 2009. EBITDA fell by 5% to €61 million. The Group’s net profits, after minority interests and taxes, stood at €25 million, up by 16% compared to last year. 18/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Ciment_Français_bad_weather_conditions_hampered_Q1_performance.aspx Ciments Français (Italcementi Group) has released its Q1 results. Against a difficult economic background, the first quarter of 2010 was characterised by very bad weather conditions in Western Europe and North America. 18/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/HeidelbergCement_continues_costs_cutting_course.aspx HeidelbergCement issues statement of first quarter results. The company continues to cut costs and repay debt, and admits that it cannot be sure whether poor Q1 results are due to the continuing economic crisis or poor weather. 14/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cemex_swap_to_cut_debt_by_US$_440_million.aspx Cemex has revealed that through a perpetuals bond swap, it will reduce its net debt by some US$ 440 million. 11/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/kkr_to_invest_in_calmia_cement.aspx The private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has agreed to purchase a 15 - 20% stake in Dalmia Cement. 10/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/new_cement_plant_in_Indonesia.aspx Holcim is planning to build a further cement plant in Indonesia to complement the two existing cement plants and grinding station that are already there. 07/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_announces_Q1_results.aspx Lafarge reports 10% decrease in sales thanks largely to poor weather conditions in key markets. Cost-reduction programmes are proving successful across all business areas. Free cash flow has improved. 06/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Siemens_to_supply_electrical_equipment_and_automation_to_Turkmenistan.aspx Siemens Industry Solutions Division is to provide the electrical equipment and automation system for a new cement line at Jebel, Turkmenistan. 06/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Holcim_Philippines_considers_raising_cement_prices_by_July.aspx Holcim Philippines has revealed that it may increase cement prices by July to counteract the effects of the power crisis in Mindanao and the need to import clinker from Japan. 05/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Holcim_sees_positive_signs_in_first_quarter_results.aspx The Group sold more cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete, achieved higher net sales and better operating margins. 04/05/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Chinas_cement_and_cement_clinker_exports_see_increase.aspx Cement and clinker exports were up by 20% in the first quarter of 2010, according to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 30/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/UltraTech_to_acquire_stake_of_Star_Cement.aspx India’s UltraTech is set to acquire a 51% stake in Dubai-based Star Cement for an undisclosed sum. 28/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/CemenTec_offers_lowest_bid_for_Habesha_Project.aspx In a few weeks Habesha Cement will announce who has won the the contract to supervise the construction of Habesha’s new 1.2 million tpa cement plant in Eithiopia. 23/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Photocatalytic_Cementitious_Materials.aspx In this paper Gian Luca Guerrini – CTG Italcementi Group, Italy, briefly reviews the situation with photocatalytic cementitious materials and their current applications in the building sector. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cement_sector_experiences_unnecessary_interference.aspx It is evident that the cement industry is constantly being examined by various authorities. This interference comes in many forms. In Europe, it is the custom to allow the European Commission to ‘attack’ the cement manufacturers always probing alleged anti-competitive behaviour. 20/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Staten_Island_Terminal_project_granted_ARRA_funding.aspx Staten Island Terminal has been granted US$28 million funding for the construction of a cement import and distribution facility. 15/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Indian_industry_displays_growth_in_March.aspx Figures are in for cement shipments in March, showing the Indian industry is still on a path to double-digit growth for the year. Buoyed by demand from infrastructure projects and residential building projects, the industry hit growth of 10.48% for FY2009/10, according to reports. 14/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Benue_Cement_records_massive_profit_for_2009.aspx Dangote Cement’s Benue Cement Company has posted a massive 205% increase in profits for FY2009. 14/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Rajawali_Group_sells_stake_in_PT_Semen_Gresik.aspx Rajawali Group, Indonesia, has sold its 23.66% stake in PT Semen Gresik 06/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Jurong_Cement_receives_approval_for_de_listing.aspx Jurong Cement Ltd must de-list itself from the Singapore Exchange after public ownership fell below 10%. 02/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Saudi_cement_market_strong_demand_but_overcapacity.aspx A new report provides a comprehensive review of the Saudi cement market, which, despite excess capacity, still remains one of the strongest globally. 01/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/India_donates_cement_to_war_torn_Northern_Sri_Lanka.aspx The Indian High Commissioner handed over the first delivery of 10 000 bags of cement to the Secretary of the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief services for resettled civilians in Northern Sri Lanka. 01/04/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Gypsum_in_December_2009.aspx USGS survey data indicates growth for gypsum industry from November to December 2009. 16/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/New_plants_under_construction_in_China.aspx Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings has announced plans to construct a new cement plant in the Guangdong Province; while West China Cement’s Yangxian facility is scheduled to come online ahead of schedule this month. 11/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Vietnams_cement_prices_pushed_up_by_energy_costs.aspx Cement producers in Vietnam have announced plans to increase the price of cement as a result of rising energy prices. 10/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/CCP_keeps_price_competition_healthy_for_Pakistan’s_cement_producers.aspx The Competition Commission of Pakistan has provided a stabilising influence for cement prices in the nation. 09/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Third_consecutive_month_of_growth_for_Indian_cement_industry.aspx Reports suggest that the Indian cement industry is likely to show growth above 12% in February, making it the third consecutive month to see double-digit growth. 09/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Holcim_reports_results_for_a_difficult_year.aspx Extracts from Holcim’s report on its 2009 annual results are presented here. Results show the success of the cost reduction programme and a strengthened balance sheet. 05/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Saudi_cement_capacity_set_to_rise.aspx Saudi Arabia shows signs of promise as its cement output capacity looks set to increase by approximately 15.2% to 53 million t over 2010, as the nation plans massive investment in the construction industry. 04/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Spanish_group_reports_2009_results.aspx Formento de Construcciones y Contratas SA (FCC) has issued its 2009 financial results. Net profit fell on lower sales, but the cost reduction programme is proceeding as planned. 04/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Diana_Shipping_reports_plunging_profit_in_2009.aspx Diana Shipping Inc. has reported a massive drop in Q4 net income, which fell from US$ 54.2 million in Q4 2008 to US$ 27.6 million. 02/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Reports_of_cement_carrier_being_built_for_Norwegian_company.aspx Ben Kien Shipbuilding Industry Co has reportedly signed a contract to build two 16 800 t cement carriers for Norwegian shipowning firm KGJ Cement. 02/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/FLSmidth_and_Co_2009_Annual_Report.aspx FLSmidth & Co. AS has reviewed and adopted its Annual Report for 2009, as well as offering predictions for the cement and minerals sectors over the coming year. 01/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_and_Votorantim_finalise_transaction.aspx Lafarge has announced that it will receive Brazilian cement assets in exchange for the sale to Votorantim on 3 February 2010 of its 17.28% stake in the Portuguese Cimpor group. 01/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/CSN’s_bid_for_Cimpor_unsuccessful.aspx Less than 9% of shareholders have taken up CSN’s offer to purchase a 33% stake plus one share in Cimpor. 01/03/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Japans_export_industry_shows_signs_of_recovery.aspx Japan’s Ministry of Finance has reported a massive y/y jump in exports in January. 26/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/ASEC_Holding_in_US_80_million_deal_with_ASEC_Cement.aspx ASEC Holding has acquired an additional 9.48% holding in ASEC cement, thereby increasing its exposure to become one of the region’s largest independent cement producers. 25/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_acquires_two_aggregate_docks_in_North_America.aspx Lafarge is creating the potential for increased shipping traffic along the Saginaw River following the acquisition of two docks in Saginaw and Bay City. 24/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Indian_coastal_shipping.aspx Coastal shipping has been the focus of recent research in India due to its obvious economic benefits for large bulk handling. 22/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_feels_benefits-of_cost_reduction_programme.aspx Lafarge has issued a statement following the release of its 2009 full year results. Excerpts from the statement are reproduced here. 22/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Camargo_bid_could_see_off_CSN.aspx Brazilian conglomerate Carmago Correa Group has acquired a 22.17% stake in Cimpor while CSN files antitrust complaint against Votorantim. 16/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Newsbyte_CSN_changes_tack_on_Cimpor_bid.aspx Having failed to impress Cimpor with its original bid back in December, CSN has made an alternate offer. 16/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Latest_China_acquisitions_and_investments.aspx Sinoma and Scitus acquisitions, Anhui Conch borrows RMB 4.8 billion, China Runji Cement benefits from rural stimulus and HK prosperity invests in Indonesia. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Vicem_to_boost_exports.aspx In a move to subdue harsh competition in the domestic market, the Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem) is planning to lift exports to 1 million t this year. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/HeidelbergCement_preliminary_overview_2009.aspx On 10 February, HeidelbergCement presented its preliminary and unaudited sales volumes, turnover, operating income before depreciation (OIBD) and operating income (OI) for the fourth quarter and full year 2009. These figures reflected the impact of the global economic crisis on the overall construction industry. 12/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Italcementi_announce_group_revenues_for_2009.aspx The ltalcementi Board of Directors examined Group sales figures for the financial year ended December 31, 2009. 10/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cemex_announces_Q409_results.aspx Cemex has announced that consolidated net sales decreased 17% in the fourth quarter of 2009, to US$3.4 billion, and decreased 28% for the full year, to US$14.5 billion, versus the comparable periods in 2008. 09/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Headwaters_Inc._Q1_revenue_down.aspx Headwaters Incorporated, a diversified building products company dedicated to improving sustainability by transforming underutilised resources into valuable products, has announced results for its 31 December 2009 quarter, the first quarter of fiscal 2010. 05/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Update_on_cimpor.aspx The last few days have seen further developments in the bid for a stake in Portuguese cement manufacturer, Cimpor. 04/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_sells_cimpor.aspx Lafarge has sold to Votorantim its 17.28% interest in Cimpor. The transaction will be completed in principle through an exchange of the Cimpor shares held by Lafarge for certain of Votorantim's assets in Brazil. 04/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/India_cement_engine.aspx India’s major cement players are responding to strong domestic demand with increased sales. 03/02/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/shipping_industry_waits.aspx Reports suggest that more than one tenth of container ships are lying idle, waiting for orders to sail. 26/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Fortress_Group_announces_shipment_to_Cameroon.aspx Fortress Group has embarked on shipping 100 000 t of cement to Cameroon, with the last of eight vessels heading for Cameroon in late December 2009. 20/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/News_updates_from_India.aspx The latest news from India on December shipment figures, expansion plans, financial results and coal import duty. 19/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Newsbyte_Camargo_told_withdraw_or_comply.aspx Camargo’s recent proposal to merge with Cimpor has been rebuffed by the Portuguese stock market regulator, CMVM. 18/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Newsbytez_New_bid_for_a_stake_in_Cimpor.aspx One of Brazil’s largest private diversified companies is looking to buy a minority stake in the Portuguese cement giant 15/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Latest_acquisitions_in_China.aspx At the start of this year two Chinese cement producers revealed their latest acquisitions. 15/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/FLSmidth_wins_Chinese_order_for_12000_tpd_plant.aspx FLSmidth has signed a contract with Chinese cement producer Conch to supply a 12 000 tpd cement kiln for the Tongling plant in the Anhui province in eastern China. 14/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Newsbyte_YTL_offers_to_buy_Jurong_Cement_terminal.aspx Jurong Cement Limited, a subsidiary of Holcim, has received a S$50 million offer for its assets. 14/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Cimpor_rejects_Brazilian_offer_more_on_the_table.aspx Cimpor has received and rejected a proposed takeover bid from Brazilian company CSN. 13/01/2010 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/USGS_gypsum_survey_results_for_September_2009.aspx Results have been released from the USGS concerning the production of gypsum in September 2009. 22/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/UUS_cement_shipments_and_construction_spending_continue_to_decline.aspx October 2009 was the 41st consecutive month where cement shipments were lower than in the corresponding month last year, and although the construction industry is showing signs of improving, nonresidential construction does not look so healthy. 16/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Titan_to_benefit_from_exports.aspx The first batch of cement has left Florida’s Port Everglades heading for Panama, as part of Titan Cement’s export project. 11/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/EIB_invests_in_Plzen_regeneration.aspx The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending CZK2 billion (approximately €73 million) to the Municipality of Plzen (West Bohemia) to implement priority urban regeneration schemes identified in the city’s 2004 Development Plan. 09/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/India’s_shipments_reports_November_2009.aspx A quick-fire look at activity in India’s cement industry in November 2009. 08/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/The_European_cement_industry_is_vulnerable_to_carbon_leakage_the_decision_and_beyond.aspx This editorial is taken from Eurobrief 181, issued by CEMBUREAU. It reflects the mood of the European cement industry in the run-up to COP15. 03/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Mediterranean_giants_report_Q3_and_9M_results.aspx Titan Cement and Cimpor have issued statements relating to their financial results for the first nine months and third quarter of 2009. 02/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Import_tariffs_causing_a_stir.aspx The supply-demand ratio is causing problems for countries that can produce sufficient cement to meet demand, but not necessarily at internationally competitive prices. 01/12/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Algerian_consolidation_to_win_market_share_at_home_and_abroad.aspx According to reports, the Algerian government is planning to consolidate its state-owned cement plants to form a company that will challenge Lafarge for a greater share of the Algerian market. 30/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/news_from_india.aspx Indian cement companies are once again making headlines, as expansion projects are revealed, fundraising is announced and mergers are confirmed. 24/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/FLSmidth_reports_on_first_nine_months.aspx FLSmidth & Co. A/S has published its results for the first nine months of this year. Figures show that the global economic downturn has had a significant impact on the Group’s earnings, but some signs of improvement are beginning to be felt. 19/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/KHD_Humboldt_Wedag_reports_on_Q3_results.aspx KHD has had a difficult year, but Q3 results show the beginnings of improvement, particularly in the company’s balance sheet. The outlook is cautiously optimistic in the long term. 18/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Polaris_Minerals_named_British_Columbia’s_fourth_fastest_growing_company.aspx The Vancouver Sun has named Polaris Minerals as the fourth fastest-growing company in British Colombia. The company, which has only been operating for two years, is surviving well, despite the downturn in the market this year. 17/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/After_the_Boom.aspx The world has witnessed rapid financial and economical changes over the last months, causing extreme changes and uncertainty in many fields. The cement market has always been dynamic, requiring updated studies to follow the rapid fluctuations. The GCC countries are going through the ‘after the boom’ scenario. 13/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Spain and Poland agree ET contract.aspx Poland and Spain have signed an emissions trading agreement that will see Poland selling its AAUs in exchange for funding that will support the country’s GhG mitigations schemes. 10/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Lafarge_and_Ciment_Français_release_Q3_results.aspx Q3 results indicate the downward trend of the year-to-date continues, although the decline is slowing. Both groups have made efforts to improve operating efficiency and reduce debt. 09/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Indian_export_markets_drop .aspx India’s per capita cement consumption is amongst the lowest in the world, and the country’s cement industry is heavily export-based. The recent decline in the export markets is proving a cause for concern for some manufacturers, although October shipment figures are generally strong. 06/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/Egypt’s cement industry still growing strong.aspx The Egyptian cement industry has more than weathered the financial storm. Demand has remained high, exports have been banned, and new production capacities are both under implementation and planned. 05/11/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/carbon_leakage_winners_and_losers.aspx Carbon leakage is a hot topic at the moment, with industries and economies both fearful of losing out to countries that are not subject to the same stringent environmental regulations. 20/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/an_analysis_of_worldwide_cement_and_clinker_trade .aspx Cement and clinker trade is facing a downward trend, and not just because of the economic downturn. Massive investment in capacity expansion has led to oversupply situations in countries around the world, turning importing countries into exporters. 18/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/saudi_arabia_ships_sand_and_cement.aspx Cement and sand imported to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia will henceforth be shipped rather than transported by truck across the King Fahd Causeway, according to reports. This will help to ease traffic congestion and improve delivery times. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/the_arab_cement_industry_present_and_future.aspx The Arab cement industry has developed remarkably, particularly through the past three years. Its expansion was closely linked to the building and construction industry, which witnessed unprecedented growth in Arab countries. This resulted in higher demand for cement at 10 - 15%, reaching more than 20% in Qatar. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/indian_cement_shipments_generally_up_in_august.aspx The slow progress of the monsoon in India has resulted in strong figures for cement manufacturers’ August shipments. High demand is reflected in the similarly strong performance of the cargo truck and rail industries. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/east_african_cement_producers_threatened_by_cheap_imports.aspx Cement producers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are struggling to remain competitive in a period of strong demand. Overseas imports, from countries such as China, Egypt, India and Thailand, are flooding the region and are priced significantly lower than the domestic product thanks to cheap freight rates. Cement producers are calling on governments to step in to protect their industries. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/shipping_industry_in_crisis.aspx Reduced global trade and the recent announcement by China that steel and cement production will be curbed has left the shipping industry facing a potential 50% rate crash. 01/10/2009 http://www.worldcement.com/sectors/trading-shipping/articles/outlook_for_shipping_sector.aspx Around the world, large volumes of cement are traded by multinational cement groups and their subsidiaries, whilst independent cement traders still have a major function when it comes to price levels and patterns of trade. 01/10/2009