Asia & Pacific Rim

Updates on China’s cement prices, economic slowdown and government efforts to reduce overcapacity in heavy industries.

The prices of Portland cement, sand aggregate and blocks recorded a 2.6% increase in March.

Expansion plans in Pakistan’s cement industry threaten smaller players.

The partnership will see Schneider Electric incorporate Ramco’s advanced process optimisation software into its solutions for the cement industry.

Indian cement demand increased by approximately 2% y/y in January – February 2014, with notable recovery in the northern, western and central regions due to a rise in construction projects.

Australia’s construction industry contracted at a milder rate in March 2014 due to slower declines in both new orders and activity. Meanwhile, CSR and Boral have announced intentions to combine their east coast brick operations.

Reports indicate that Asia Cement (China) Holdings Corp. is set to acquire a Sichuan cement company, adding 5 million t to its Chinese capacity.

Total cement dispatches in Pakistan increased by 15.5% in March 2014, according to preliminary statistics released by financial services company Invest Capital Markets Ltd.

Capiz Trade and Industry Provincial Director, Philippines, has made assurances that the supply of building materials will meet high consumption levels driven by Typhoon Yolanda reconstruction efforts.

Increasing energy tariffs in Pakistan have seen more and more cement producers turn to alternative methods of power generation, such as waste heat recovery and combined cycle plants.

The output of India’s core industries grew by 4.5% y/y in February. Cement, steel and coal are among the sectors that experienced increases.

Taiwan Cement’s net profits have exceeded NT$10 billion for the first time in its history.

Lafarge Pakistan reported a profit after tax of Rs.1.8 billion in 2013, a 21% y/y increase compared to Rs.1.48 billion in 2012.

Lafarge’s Filipino division has reported a 30% increase in net profit thanks to high demand from both public and private construction projects.

Singha Cement’s state-of-the-art cement terminal is due for completion next year and Tokyo Cement undertakes a new environmental project to protect the Sri Lankan marine life.