Cement industry news from the CIS

Kazakhstan

Steppe Cement has released its results for 1H13. During the period, the cement manufacturer sold 564 440 t of cement for a total of KZT8.165 billion. In terms of volumes, this figure is 8% lower than 1H12, when 615 838 t of cement were sold. However, a higher selling price policy in 2013 led to a 6% y/y increase in turnover. The average price of delivered cement rose from KZT12 549/t in 1H12 to KZT14 465/t (excluding VAT) in 1H13, while ex-factory prices increased from KZT10 386/t to KZT12 084/t.

Steppe Cement expects consumption in Kazakhstan to rise by 10% y/y to reach 7.7 million t in 2013.

In other news, OAO Promagroleasing and Eximgarant of Belarus have finalised international leasing contracts for the supply of Belarusian railcars to Kazakhstan. The railcars, which are manufactured by Mogilev Railway Car Building Plant, are hopper cars designed for the bulk transportation of cement.

Turkmenistan

According to local news reports, cement imports will be subjected to a 100% customs duty as of 1 August 2013. The duty aims to bolster domestic cement production in Turkmenistan.

Armenia

An increase in gas and electricity prices will lead to an estimated 20% rise in cement prices, reports ARKA News Agency. The Public Services Regulatory Commission increased gas prices by 18% and electricity by 27% in early July. The hikes follow the rising price of gas imported from Russia.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/12072013/cement_industry_news_cis_region_48/