Asia & Pacific Rim

Holcim Philippines Inc. has reported promising 3Q13 figures and a rise in net income, in spite of a traditional lull in sales for the Philippine cement industry during the rainy season.

Zuari Cement’s 1 million tpa grinding plant will aid its expansion in the southern and western regions of Maharashtra.

Grasim Industries’ September quarter results show the impact of UltraTech’s falling profits.

Siam Cement continues to prosper in the ASEAN region, with net profit reaching THB9.8 billion.

Semen Indonesia’s 15.6% increase in sales volumes is above the national average, with growth in Indonesian cement demand running at just over 5% so far this year.

1Q14 results are in for Lucky Cement, the market leader in Pakistan. The company realised improved sales value and lower financial charges in the quarter.

An increase in building in the eastern and southern regions of China is set to boost sales and profit growth of cement companies.

The company has recorded an almost 25% reduction in profit after tax, attributed to increased financial and ‘other’ costs.

The Builders Association of India (BAI) has called upon the state to intervene in rising cement prices, as construction projects all over the region are cut short due to high costs.

China, the world’s largest cement industry, are updating technology and reducing emissions as part of a plan to curb pollution.

China, one of the largest greenhouse gas emitting nations, is conducting research into alternative fuels as a way of reducing environmental pollution. Katie Kouchakji reports in this abridged article from the November 2013 issue of World Cement.

Major Indian cement companies Ambuja and ACC have announced disappointing results for the third quarter of 2013.

Pakistani cement producers are reporting mixed fortunes for the quarter ended 30 September, with some showing increased earnings and others declines in profitability.

Cement prices are expected to rise as Pakistan’s major cement producers publicise their 1Q14 results.

Thai cement producer TPI Polene Public Company Limited enter contract with Siemens for engineering and supply of the power distribution to introduce a new clinker production line in Saraburi, Thailand.