Asia & Pacific Rim

Profit after tax fell 18.7% in the January – March quarter, as net sales fall 11.9% and interest costs increase.

News from Chinese equipment suppliers and from within the Chinese cement industry.

Jacques van Niekerk, Ambuja Cements, India, discusses the critical role of supply chain excellence in the Indian cement industry.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced that buildings in China could be built to British green construction standards, which would boost the UK supply chain by £200 million.

Semen Indonesia has reportedly started construction of a new plant in West Sumatra, while it is also advancing plans to acquire a new cement plant in Vietnam.

India Cements reports a loss for the January – March quarter and announces plans to restructure operations, while Shree Cement commissions its new line in Rajasthan.

Lafarge Malaysia Berhad is exploring new cement export markets in countries around the Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives and Bangladesh.

Indian cement manufacturer Ramco Cements posted a net profit of Rs.24.99 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2014, a 61% y/y decline compared to the corresponding quarter in 2013.

In the quarter ended 31 March, higher sales, increased operational efficiency and stronger prices contributed to achieving net profit of Rs.52.91 crore.

The Fijian cement company has started exporting to New Zealand and has plans to break into Australia.

Reliance Cement Company (RCC) has extended its operations into West Bengal, one of the largest cement consuming states in Eastern India.

YTL Corp Bhd, which has multiple interests, including cement, has reported a rise in net profit despite falling revenue.

The Australian cement and lime producer is expecting full year net profit to be equivalent to 2013.

ABB Pakistan Limited is considering establishing a new assembly line in Pakistan and the APCMA has called for a tax respite.

Indian company Reliance Infrastructure, which has interests in the cement industry, reported a decline in profit and revenue for the quarter ending 31 March.