Asia & Pacific Rim

Cement sales in Pakistan increased by 6.23% to 17.12 million t in 1H15, compared to 16.11 million t recorded in 1H14.

In July – November 2014, Pakistani cement exports totalled US$229.849 million, increasing from US$225.557 recorded in the same period a year earlier.

Five of the eight core industries included in India’s Index of Industrial Production experienced y/y growth in November 2014, including cement and coal.

India’s Dalmia Bharat Group has won the CII-ITC Sustainability Award 2014 for ‘Significant Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility’.

The Board of Directors of UltraTech Cement Limited agreed to the acquisition of certain cement businesses of Jaiprakash Associates Limited.

Ultratech Cement has assured local press that the cancellation of the mining lease for limestone mines owned by a company subsidiary in the Nagaur District of Rajasthan will not impact production.

Dalmia Cement is increasing its presence in eastern India, announcing that it will serve the markets in Jharkhand, Bihar and Bengal with PSC produced at the Bokaro cement plant.

Shree Cement has contracted Petron Engineering Construction to carry out civil construction work for a packing plant extension and flyash unloading system at Bangur Cement.

Australia’s Boral Limited has entered into an agreement to sell its Western Landfill business to Transpacific Industries; the ACCC has announced that it will not oppose Boral and CSR Limited’s proposal to combine their brick operations.

Ambuja Cement plans to train 18 000 masons and 15 000 contractors across India by 2020.

Indonesia achieved growth of 3.4% y/y in domestic cement sales between January and November, compared to 5.6% in full year 2013.

Indian media is reporting that UltraTech Cement Ltd is ‘re-evaluating’ its bid for the Brazilian assets of the Swiss cement manufacturer, which are being divested as part of its merger with Lafarge.

The US Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Energy will lead a Business Development Mission to China in April 2015, focused on industries supporting Smart Cities and Smart Growth.

The national construction industry moved back into contraction in November due to a decline in activity and new orders across all four sub-sectors.

Arghakhanchi Cement, which previously produced clinker for the cement industry, is set to begin cement production next week.