Asia & Pacific Rim

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.

Anhui Conch Cement Company Ltd sold 228 million t of cement and clinker in 2013, up 21.95% y/y.

China Tianrui Group Cement Company Limited reported a 41.4% y/y improvement in cement sales and a 14.1% y/y increase in revenue for the year 2013.

Jaiprakash Associates Ltd has announced that it will sell its 74% stake in Bokaro Jaypee Cement Ltd, located in Jharkhand, India, to Dalmia Cement.

China Shanshui Cement Group Ltd reported a 2.3% y/y increase in revenue and an 11.7% y/y improvement in cement sales volumes for 2013.

Sinoma has successfully completed several international cement and grinding plant projects and signed contracts for new endeavours.

New Zealand wood policy described as “inappropriate” and “a huge disservice to the hardworking men and women in the cement and concrete industries” by CCANZ CEO Rob Gaimster.

Siam Cement Group has started establishing new merger and acquisition targets for international companies and maintains a positive outlook for 2014.