Slower sales in South Africa

Pretoria Portland Cement Company (PPC), South Africa, has reported that sales in South Africa and Botswana are still declining, although more slowly than earlier this year, with some regions even displaying slight growth.

However, PPC reported that sales to the construction industry, accounting for around 20% of the company's total sales, were significantly lower than in previous years. Sales in Zimbabwe were down in July as a result of a lengthy plant shutdown, although normal business resumed in August. The company's outlook for the rest of 2010 has been described as 'uncertain'.

PPC does hold a more optimistic view of its long-term performance. Pauk Stuiver, CEO of PPC, pointed out that although he does not foresee an increase in South Africa's capacity in the group's next two financial years, a marginal increase is expected during 2013.

PPC recently cancelled plans to revamp its Western Cape plant due to the market slowing.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/22092010/slower_sales_in_south_africa/