Steppe Cement posts 20% increase in cement sales for 1Q14

Kazakhstani cement manufacturer Steppe Cement Ltd saw an increase in cement sales in the first quarter of 2014. The company sold 198 607 t of cement in 1Q14 (at KZT2,486 million), a 20% y/y increase compared to 166 121 t in 1Q13 (at KZT 2,272 million).

The Kazakhstani cement market in 1Q14 remained relatively similar to that of 1Q13. The company’s market share increased from 15% in 1Q13 to 17 % in 1Q14.

The average price for delivered cement during the quarter stood at KZT12 516/t, an 8% y/y decrease compared to KZT13 677/t in the same period a year earlier. The company noted that this was a consequence of the volume over price strategy, which was decided as production line no. 5 was coming into full operation, compared to the strategy of higher prices in 2013 when production was limited.

The cement market in the country is estimated to be approximately 8.6 million t for 2014, representing an increase of 6% y/y against 8.1 million t in 2013.

Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/17042014/steppe_cement_posts_20_percent_increase_in_cement_sales_for_1q14_57/