Leading cement manufacturers review outlook in Russia

Representatives of the leading cement manufacturers of the Eurasion Economic Union took part in the meeting of the Board of ‘Soyuzcement’ Union of cement producers on 31 March. In the meeting the results of the organisation were reviewed, and key areas of activity in the short term and medium term were identified.

To date, almost all participants of the Russian market, producing products in accordance with the approved state standards and requirements, have already passed the necessary certification.

Members of the Union of Cement Producers expressed their willingness to actively promote public authorities and control functions on the issues of cement products to the market and monitoring of the treatment.

CEOs also summarised the work of the cement industry in 2015 and gave projections for the near future. Thus, the cement consumption in 2015 fell by 10% on average for the EAEC due to a decrease in housing construction, a decline that may continue into 2016. At the same time, market participants predict a significant decrease in the proportion of cement imports into the Russian Federation in connection with the introduction of mandatory certification procedures, and withdrawal from the market of unscrupulous players. A growth of domestic exports to third countries, caused by the change in exchange rates, is also expected.

In the current macroeconomic conditions, market players are calling for reduced costs and increased efficiency.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/06042016/leading-cement-manufacturers-review-outlook-in-russia-834/