Friday, July 18, 2014

GHANA: Expert blames cement shortage partly on hoarding

Former President of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr. Alex Tweneboah, has cited hoarding by dealers for the acute shortage of cement in Accra.

He said cement dealers are holding on to the product in anticipation of further price increases.

Estate developers have lamented the shortage of cement in Accra, a situation that has stalled building projects in the capital.

The shortage, which has persisted for about three weeks now, has also caused the price of cement to shoot up.

Fifty kilograms of cement sold at GH?28 a few weeks ago but now sells GH?35.

Dr Tweneboah said the causes of the current shortage and the hike in price are “a three-fold thing: it is the current economic crisis, it’s the devaluation of the cedi and to some extent...some people are hoarding the cement and anticipating further price increases – trying to capitalise on the prices”.

Dr Alex Tweneboah, however, said it is about time estate developers and Ghanaians as a whole looked at alternative methods of building as well as materials used for building.

“We cannot continue to keep relying on imported materials, and most of our cement is imported”, he said on Joy News Thursday.

He added that importation of clinker, which is an essential raw material in the production of cement, for instance, puts pressure on the cedi.

The cedi, which government has been struggling to prop up, has fallen nearly 23 percent against the dollar so far this year. As at July 16, 2014 GH?1 is equivalent to 0.03 dollars.

The biggest problem, according to Dr Tweneboah is that because of the cedi devaluation, the purchasing power of the average Ghanaian has been eroded, making it difficult for them to buy houses -- a blow to the estate industry.

“The only way we can get out of this crisis is by developing our own local industries, and promoting our local industries. For example we have developers who are importing doors. We have timber in this country. Why can’t we develop our industry for doors?” he asked.

Mr George Dawson Amoah, Strategic Corporate Affairs Director of Ghacem, one of the major cement producers, however said the shortage of the product in the capital is only temporal.

He said although Ghacem has been hit with power cuts, the company is still producing cement.

In an earlier interview with an Accra based radio station, Mr Dawson-Amoah attributed the shortage of the product to low production caused by a fault on the main transformer of Diamond Cement Company, another major cement producer, located at Aflao in the Volta region.

He noted that Diamond Cement Company controls about 35 percent share of the market and added that the Aflao-based company produces about 32 tonnes of cement a week.

KENYA: Higher sales lift Kenya's ARM Cement's first half profit

Strong sales of cement and fertiliser boosted Kenya's ARM Cement's pretax profit 20 percent to 1.2 billion shillings ($13.68 million) in the first-half, it said on Friday.

Total revenue jumped 16 percent to 7.6 billion shillings, after sales of cement rose by 10 percent and by more than a third in Kenya and Tanzania respectively, ARM said, attributing it to an improved distribution network.

"The east African regional economies are growing briskly, and demand for cement, as well as the other products are expected to grow further," the company said.

Its fertilizer line also posted good sales growth after the Kenyan ministry of agriculture endorsed one of its brands.

ARM said it expects earnings to grow further in the second half mainly due to improving margins driven by investments in its factories in Tanzania and Kenya.

ARM has invested a total of 15 billion shillings in a clinker plant in Tanga, Tanzania and a cement plant in the capital of Dar es Salaam.

Both plants have a combined capacity of 1.8 million tonnes per year. The investments in ARM's production plants helped the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to hold steady at 24 percent in the first-half, defying pressure from higher costs of inputs like energy.

Its earnings per share rose by 21 percent to 3.4 shillings.

USA: Dragon Cement’s request to increase mercury emissions OK’d

Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection voted unanimously Thursday to allow the Dragon Products Co. LLC cement plant on Route 1 in Thomaston to increase its mercury emissions from 25 pounds per year to the federal annual limit of 42 pounds.

An official from the state Department of Environmental Protection said the amendment to the company’s air emission license means that Dragon Products would be allowed to emit 42 pounds per year, but it would only occur if the company increased cement production above current levels.

The board’s decision came under immediate criticism from one of the state’s leading environmental advocacy groups.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine expressed “deep disappointment” in the decision, which it said could lead to an increase in emissions of “toxic mercury by 70 percent” at the plant.

“In recommending support for this request … DEP is effectively surrendering the state’s ability to limit mercury emissions at Dragon, allowing the plant to pollute at the highest level permitted nationwide,” the organization’s statement said.

The Environmental Protection Agency increased the maximum mercury emissions limit for cement plants in 2010, based on an analysis of emissions produced by some of the best-controlled cement kilns in the country, said Marc A.R. Cone, director of the DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality. The DEP supported Dragon’s emissions-limits request.

Cone said market conditions will dictate how much cement the company produces. A 2008 state law had capped mercury emissions at 25 pounds a year for the plant. “We feel this standard (42 pounds) is protective of the public’s health,” Cone said Thursday night. “If they remain at the lower levels of production, their emission limit will be lower.”

Cone said he was told that production hours at the plant have dropped off this year, but Dragon’s environmental manager, Michael Martunas, could not be reached Thursday night.

In a memo addressed to the BEP, Cone says that the “proposed mercury emission limit meets the most stringent emission limitation that is achievable and compatible for existing cement plants.”

Under its new emissions license, Dragon Cement will be required to install a mercury emissions monitor in its emission stacks, a new regulation that will provide the DEP with “real-time data,” Cone said.

Mercury can harm nervous, respiratory and immune systems, especially those of children and developing fetuses. Maine residents have been warned to limit their consumption of fish caught in inland waters because of mercury pollution.

According to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Dragon Cement emitted at least 13 pounds of mercury into the air in 2011-12.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

NIGERIA: ASHAKACEM TO FAST TRACK N100BN EXPANSION PLAN

The Board of Directors of Ashaka Cement Plc with the support of experts from other Lafarge Group’s businesses across the globe have agreed to fast-track the expansion of its N100billion cement plant in Gombe State.
The move became imperative in order to guarantee the future of AshakaCem to enhance jobs creation in the North-East and deliver economic and social welfare to the immediate communities.
Chairman of the Board of AshakaCem Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, confirmed these developments in Abuja when he disclosed that Lafarge Group is committed to the capacity expansion project in Ashaka, Gombe state.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the project was done in April 2014 by President Goodluck Jonathan and had ushered in a new phase in the capacity expansion project of the company.
“Having secured suffi-cient limestone and coal reserves to support the existing plant as well as the new plant, the contracts have been signed with the main equipment and engineering suppliers,” Kwairanga said.
For instance, to ensure the timely delivery of the project, the detailed design of the equipment as well as mobilization of the sources had commenced.
He added that the group would deploy to the fullest its global expertise in procurement and erection of new cement plant.
He noted that credit facility lines of about N50billin had been secured and signed in addition to internally gene-rated cash flows to support the expansion project.
He said: “AshakaCem in the last 40 years since its establishment has operated in harmony with all its neighbouring communities and this partnership is working to the mutual benefits of both parties.
“In the last three years alone the company has spent the sum of N400 million on community related projects and there is the opportunity for the company to do more as this partnership thrives.”
The Country CEO, Lafarge Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mr. Guillaume Roux had stated that the investment of N100 billion in Nigeria was a demonstration of its commitment to the economic growth of the country.

PERU: Despacho nacional de cemento creció 0.84% en primer semestre

Los despachos de cemento en el mercado peruano sumaron un total de 4´944,327 toneladas métricas ™ entre enero y junio del 2014, lo que representó un aumento de 0.84% respecto a lo registrado en el mismo período del 2013 (4’903,369 TM), informó hoy la Asociación de Productores de Cemento (Asocem).

Durante los primeros seis meses del año, la producción de cemento fue 5’085,466 TM, lo que representó una expansión de 1.30% en relación a similar periodo del 2013, cuando sumó 5’020,163 TM.

Entre enero y junio del año, las exportaciones llegaron a 116,177 TM de cemento, reportando un aumento de 25.91% respecto al mismo período del 2013, cuando fueron de 92,271 TM.

En ese sentido, los despachos totales de cemento (mercado nacional más exportación) sumaron 5’060,504 TM en los primeros seis meses del año, cifra que muestra un aumento de 1.30% respecto a similar período del 2013, cuando sumaron 4’995,640 TM.

Solo en el mes de junio, los despachos de cemento en el mercado nacional alcanzaron las 807,953 TM, cifra que supera en aproximadamente 1.5% a los 795,896 TM registrados en junio del año pasado.

La información recogida por Asocem es proporcionada por las empresas Cemento Andino, Cementos Lima, Cementos Pacasmayo, Cementos Yura, Cementos Selva y Cementos Sur.

INDONESIA: Cement Sales Decline amid Slowing Economic Growth in 2014


Indonesian cement sales have slowed and may not achieve the target set for 2014. In the first half of 2014, the country’s domestic cement sales totaled 28.9 million tons, a 3.9 percentage point increase from the same period last year, well below the growth target of 6 percent (year-on-year, yoy). However, this development is no surprise as economic growth of Indonesia has slowed in recent years. Cement sales, a key indicator of construction activity (infrastructure and property development) are closely linked to general GDP growth.

Chairman of the Indonesian Cement Association (ASI) Widodo Santoso hopes to see a better result in the second half of 2014 (a cement sales growth pace of 6 to 8 percent yoy) in order to record at least a 5 percentage point growth pace through 2014.

According to data from the ASI, cement consumption in the January-June 2014 period grew most rapidly (5.7 percent yoy to 2.1 million tons) on the island of Sulawesi. The islands of Java and Sumatra, which both traditionally absorb most of Indonesia’s cement production, still posted growth in cement consumption as well. Cement consumption on Java, Indonesia’s most populous island, increased 5.6 percent (yoy) to 16.3 million tons in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, on Sumatra cement consumption grew 1.4 percent (yoy) to 6.1 million tons in the same period.

Factors that caused a slowdown of cement sales in Indonesia in the first half of 2014 were the elections and new rules that limit property ownership. Due to the legislative and presidential elections many construction projects have been postponed as businesses want to have more political and economic certainty. Meanwhile, Bank Indonesia imposed stricter loan-to-value ratios for mortgages in mid-2013 as it detected speculative buying which might have led to a property bubble, and it raised its benchmark interest rate (BI rate) gradually to 7.50 percent in late-2013 (making it more expensive to borrow money).

Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 5.21 percent in the first quarter of 2014.

NIGERIA: Quand Dangoté « dérange » les groupes occidentaux

Au Nigéria, Dangote Cement est de loin le numéro1 de la cimenterie. Cette position de leader de la société duplus riche d’Afrique dérange le groupe français Lafarge. Ce dernier pour faire face à la concurrence vient de racheter les parts des sociétés Ashaka Cement, Atlas Cement et Unicem et devient Lafarge Africa. Le coût de la transaction est évaluée à 1,35 milliard de dollars, financé en cash et en actions.

Le cimentier français coté à Lagos s’offre les armes nécessaires pour venir à bout de son concurrent nigérian Dangote Cement. La nouvelle fusion effectuée avec les sociétés nigérianes et sud-africaines permettront au groupe de se repositionner le marché africain du ciment.

«Le principal intérêt, du point de vue de Lafarge, est de réagir à l’expansion agressive de Dangote en Afrique tout en se renforçant au Nigeria pour faire face a la domination de ce dernier », a souligné Andy Gboka, analyste chez Exotix, interrogé par Jeune Afrique.

Le groupe français compte sur ses nouvelles installations pour augmenter à 17 millions de tonnes sa production en 2017. L’un des avantages de cette opération est la possibilité pour le groupe de lever des fonds pour réaliser ses projets géants.

Si pour les dirigeants du groupe la fusion semble une bonne affaire, tel n’est pas le cas des analystes qui jugent trop couteuse l’opération. « Nous croyons que même s’il y a des actifs intéressants, la question du prix est un véritable enjeu et que quelques uns des actifs acquis vont diluer la valeur actionnariale », estime Renaissance Capital.

De son côté, Dangote Cement a annoncé qu’il doublera très prochainement sa production et atteindre ainsi 40 millions de tonnes. Le directeur du groupe explique leur succès sur le continent. « Une des raisons pour laquelle nous avons pu progresser autant en Afrique, c’est parce que nous n’avons pas de contraintes financières. Les autres majors du secteur en Afrique sont obligés de recourir à des emprunts pour réaliser des acquisitions sur le continent », détaille Edwin Devakumar.

SPAIN: El consumo de cemento modera su caída en junio

El consumo de cemento cayó un 2% el pasado mes de junio en comparación con el mismo mes de 2013, hasta situarse en 967.790 toneladas, según datos de la patronal de cementeras Oficemen difundidos este lunes por su presidente, Isidoro Miranda, y su director general, Aniceto Zaragoza, en una rueda prensa.

En el conjunto de los seis primeros meses de año, el consumo de cemento acumula una contracción del 3,2% respecto al mismo periodo de 2013, hasta situarse en 5,2 millones de toneladas.

De esta forma, la previsión es cerrar el año con un consumo de 10,4 millones de toneladas de cemento, "el peor año para el sector en medio siglo".

Según ha indicado Miranda, las cifras de consumo "adecuadas" para un país como España deberían rondar los 20 millones de toneladas, un volumen que, dados los niveles de inversión en obra pública actuales, "es imposible vaticinar cuándo se alcanzará".

Asimismo, Miranda ha recordado que desde 2007 el mercado doméstico se ha reducido un 81%, aunque ha reconocido que los niveles de consumo de aquellos años fueron "irreales" y "nunca se debieron alcanzar".

Además, el presidente de Oficemen ha recordado que para este año se prevé la construcción de 45.000 viviendas, cuando el nivel debería ser de 200.000 viviendas anuales.

Sin embargo, Miranda ha indicado que Oficemen espera cifras de crecimiento positivas durante el próximo ejercicio. Asimismo, ha señalado que el futuro "es interesante" y que la industria cementera española es "de las mejores a nivel mundial".

"Lo que más nos preocupa es que el Ministerio de Fomento tenga los niveles adecuados para poner a nuestro país a un nivel de servicios y oferta adecuados", aseveró.

LAS EXPORTACIONES CRECEN UN 35%.

Por otro lado, durante el primer semestre del año, las exportaciones registraron un crecimiento del 35%, hasta alcanzar los 4,97 millones de toneladas.

"No estamos de brazos cruzados", afirmó Miranda, "nos hemos inventado una España fuera de España". "Lo que a nosotros nos interesa es el mercado doméstico, si vamos al exterior es por supervivencia", señaló.

Así, ha asegurado que al exportar hay "unos enormes costes de transporte", por lo que la rentabilidad es "notablemente baja".

Asimismo, ha recordado que la energía eléctrica supone un 18% de los costes totales de producción y un 33% de los costes variables. "Un precio competitivo y estable de la energía eléctrica es determinante para la competitividad de nuestra industria y para potenciar la capacidad exportadora", aseguró Miranda.

MEXICO: Slim’s Elementia Said in Talks to Buy Out Lafarge

Elementia SA, the Mexican cement maker backed by billionaires Carlos Slim and Antonio del Valle, is in talks to buy out partner Lafarge (LG) SA in their joint venture, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Elementia has the right to buy Lafarge’s 47 percent stake under an option described in the original terms of the Mexico partnership, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations. Lafarge wants to avoid competing with itself in Mexico after agreeing in April to a $40 billion merger with Holcim Ltd., which already operates in the Latin American nation, two people said.

While the stake could be valued at as much as $500 million, it wouldn’t fetch that high a price because Lafarge has limited bargaining power, one of the people said. There is no guarantee that a deal will get done, and Elementia may explore other options, the person said.

Elementia may opt to invest in its existing business or make a different acquisition because it already has majority and management control of the venture, said the person. Lafarge may be forced to offer its stake at a discount to convince the Mexican company to buy, the person said.

Lafarge shares rose as much as 0.4 percent and were up 0.1 percent at 63.76 euros at 10:12 a.m. in Paris. The stock has gained about 17 percent this year.

“It’s not going to be very often when Elementia is offered this sort of deal,” Ian Osburn, a London-based analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald LP, said in a telephone interview. “Lafarge will argue these are high quality, well-looked-after plants.”
Elementia IPO

Mexico City-based Elementia is working with Citigroup Inc. for a potential initial public offering that could produce a cash windfall, two people said. Elementia sells cement in Mexico under the brand Cementos Fortaleza.

A spokesman for Elementia didn’t respond to a message seeking comment, while a spokesman for Citigroup declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Paris-based Lafarge wasn’t immediately able to comment. Representatives for Slim and Del Valle didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Buying out Lafarge would bolster Elementia’s position in Mexico, where President Enrique Pena Nieto’s development plan is likely to prove positive for cement makers as infrastructure spending rises, Credit Suisse Group AG analysts led by Vanessa Quiroga wrote in a July 11 research note. The Mexican government has said that economic overhauls approved last year will lure investment and boost growth.

Cemex is the top cement maker in Mexico, with the capacity to produce 29.3 million metric tons per year, followed by Holcim, which can produce 12.2 million metric tons annually. The joint venture of Lafarge and Elementia produces about 2 million metric tons.

LafargeHolcim didn’t include the Mexican joint venture on a list published last week of assets slated for possible sales.

TUNISIA: Les prix risquent d'affaiblir la demande

Le ciment constitue une matière principale dans la construction de logements, d'ouvrages d'art et autres bâtiments. Les citoyens sont soucieux du prix de ce produit très demandé, surtout après la levée de la compensation sur les cimenteries.

La demande nationale en ciment ne cesse d'évoluer d'une année à l'autre, compte tenu des logements, ouvrages d'art et autres structures à construire actuellement et au cours des prochaines années. Le simple citoyen qui veut construire sa maison fait appel à l'une des petites entreprises spécialisées dans le bâtiment qui exigent des prix très élevés, justifiant leurs tarifs par l'envolée des prix de divers éléments comme le ciment. Ainsi, la construction devient, de nos jours, hors de portée. On a constaté que certains citoyens qui voulaient ajouter un étage à leur maison ont dû reporter les travaux à une autre date, le temps de trouver les fonds nécessaires.

A noter que les cimenteries ne bénéficient plus de la compensation en matière d'énergie et doivent se débrouiller comme elles peuvent pour comprimer le coût en optant pour une énergie à bon marché afin de pouvoir présenter un produit compétitif sur le marché. Les grandes entreprises de travaux publics et de bâtiment sont, de leur côté, obligées de payer le prix fort pour pouvoir engager les travaux qui leur sont confiés suite à un appel d'offres.

Instabilité des ventes à l'extérieur

L'une des grandes entreprises spécialisées dans la production du ciment est «Carthage Cement» dont le chiffre d'affaires total a atteint, au 31 mars de cette année, 41.945 MD (HT), soit une croissance de 337% par rapport à la même période de l'année 2013. C'est un chiffre important qui démontre la relance assurée par cette société qui a mobilisé tous les moyens pour réaliser des performances. Il s'agit de poursuivre sur cette lancée pour confirmer ce chiffre jusqu'à la fin de l'exercice de cette année. Pour ce qui est de l'activité agrégats, les ventes ont enregistré une baisse de 34% par rapport au 1er trimestre 2013. Un telle chute s'explique notamment par la suspension des livraisons durant 22 jours. Il faut tout mettre en œuvre pour éviter les arrêts de production. Tout l'effectif de la société est responsable de l'évolution de la société qui dispose de tous les moyens et équipements lui permettant d'atteindre les objectifs fixés. Les fluctuations de la demande sur le marché extérieur peuvent être également à l'origine de l'instabilité des ventes.

Ainsi, les ventes de clinker, à titre d'exemple, ont enregistré, au cours du premier trimestre de cette année, 16,778 MDT alors que les ventes de ciment ont rapporté 17,097 MDT, dont 3,952 MDT à l'exportation. La production de clinker a atteint, au premier trimestre de cette année, 234.084 t, ce qui a permis de produire 136.083 t de ciment. Plusieurs pays sont intéressés par les produits tunisiens dans ce domaine, compte tenu du niveau de qualité atteint et de l'expérience déjà acquise. Face à l'évolution des projets de construction aussi bien au niveau local qu'international, les matériaux de construction --y compris le ciment et le gravier-- connaissent une demande de plus en plus importante. Les opportunités existent donc et il suffit de bien les exploiter pour améliorer, à terme, le chiffre d'affaires.

Résultat d'exploitation déficitaire

Par ailleurs, l'exercice de toute l'année 2013 n'a pas été positif, puisque la perte nette enregistrée est de 21,693 MDT contre un déficit de 6,931 MDT en 2012. Cette perte est le résultat de la hausse sensible des charges d'exploitation qui sont passées de 43,093 MDT à 68,975 MDT à la fin de l'année dernière. Ces charges comprennent les différentes dépenses nécessaires pour faire tourner les unités de production et l'administration afin d'avoir les quantités de produits désirées. L'idéal serait de trouver des solutions pertinentes pour comprimer un tant soit peu ces charges pour pouvoir dégager des bénéfices même minimes. C'est une opération de longue haleine qui doit impliquer tout l'effectif mobilisé.

Les revenus de la société n'ont atteint que 59,045 MDT l'année écoulée contre 38,136 MDT une année auparavant. Le résultat d'exploitation a été déficitaire de 9,930 MDT contre 4,957 MDT en 2012. Cela dit, le résultat net de l'exercice a été marqué par les charges financières nettes qui ont atteint 11,9 MDT contre 1,7 MDT en 2012.

Les produits fabriqués sont, pourtant, appréciés sur le marché international, vu leur qualité qui répond aux normes en vigueur. Ainsi, les revenus réalisés sont de l'ordre de 16,8 MDT pour le clinker, 13.1 MDT pour le ciment vendu localement, 3,9 MDT pour le ciment exporté et 8 MDT pour les ventes agrégats et Ready Mix.

Néanmoins, la situation financière commence à s'améliorer, puisque l'endettement de la société a légèrement baissé, passant de 515 MDT au 31 décembre de l'année écoulée à 508 MDT au 31 mars 2014. La société a donc commencé à régler ses dettes au cours du premier trimestre de cette année, tout en continuant à payer les reliquats de ses investissements antérieurs. Quand l'entreprise commence à honorer ses engagement vis-à-vis du secteur bancaire, cela démontre qu'elle a repris ses activités dans de bonnes conditions. A l'avenir, il est nécessaire de rationaliser les dépenses et de contracter des crédits au juste nécessaire en misant davantage sur les fonds propres à constituer.

D'ailleurs, le rythme de règlements des dettes va augmenter au cours du deuxième semestre de 2014 avec l'atteinte de la vitesse de croisière en production et en vente de ciment. La société a commencé, cependant, la production du clinker à partir du mois d'octobre 2013 pour atteindre 332.715 t et à partir desquelles on a pu assurer une production de 42.873 t de ciment jusqu'à la fin de l'année 2013.

Les prévisions sont déjà établies. Un business plan a été élaboré à l'occasion de l'augmentation de capital en numéraire qui est passé de 145.423.907 MDT à 172.134.413 DT. Un schéma de financement du programme d'investissement et de développement a été également élaboré. L'objectif est de réaliser une nouvelle cimenterie à Djebel Ressas relevant du gouvernorat de Ben Arous pour une capacité de 2,3 millions t de ciment par an. Actuellement, la cimenterie est implantée à Mornag. Sa capacité de production est de 6.500 t de ciment par jour, soit l'équivalent de 2.3 millions t par an. A proximité, se trouvent des unités de production d'agrégats de 12.000 t par jour et une capacité installée de béton prêt à l'emploi (BPE) de 2.600 m3 par jour.

MOROCCO: Vers une deuxième année de baisse

Durant les six premiers mois, l’activité de vente de ciments au Maroc connaît une forte baisse. On s’achemine vers la deuxième année de baisse consécutive. Néanmoins, les opérateurs mettent l’accent sur des produits dont les marges sont assez intéressantes pour atténuer la chute. D’un autre côté, ils misent tous sur l’export de clinker.

Pour les entreprises du secteur du ciment, les mois se suivent et se ressemblent. En effet, les derniers chiffres rendus publics par l’Association des producteurs de Ciments (APC) font état d’un repli de 4,4% durant les 6 premiers mois de l’année. Ainsi, la première moitié de l’année a vu s’écouler quelque 7,435 millions de tonnes de ciments, soit quelque 342.000 tonnes de moins que pour la même période 2013. La plupart des observateurs craignent que l’année 2014 ne se termine sur une baisse, consécutive à celle déjà enregistrée l’exercice précédent. Car faut-il le rappeler, en 2013, les ventes de ciments avaient reculé de 6,3% par rapport à 2012. A ce rythme, en deux ans, le secteur du ciment aura perdu plus de 11% des ventes record de 2012.
Personne ne s’attendait à une telle baisse et les conséquences sur les entreprises du secteur seront lourdes pour plusieurs raisons. D’abord, ce recul des ventes en volumes correspond à une nouvelle baisse du chiffre d’affaires des principaux opérateurs. Ensuite, l’impact sur les indicateurs financiers pourrait être plus marqué, dans la mesure où le secteur est en surcapacité.
Un bref rappel des réalisations des principaux acteurs durant l’exercice 2013 permet peut-être d’avoir une idée sur ce qui les attend en 2014.
Lafarge Ciments, par exemple, a vu ses ventes de ciment reculer de 6,1%. Mais grâce à une compensation des autres produits à plus forte valeur ajoutée, le groupe leader du secteur avait pu maintenir son chiffre d’affaires consolidé à 5,05 milliards de dirhams. Aujourd’hui, les entreprises du secteur misent beaucoup sur l’optimisation de leur outil industriel afin de maintenir le même niveau de profitabilité que durant les années fastes marquées par la forte croissance. C’est justement ce qui avait permis à Lafarge de dégager un résultat d’exploitation en très forte hausse, malgré la conjoncture commerciale difficile. Ainsi, le résultat opérationnel avait-il cru de 9,5% à 2,14 milliards de dirhams. Et plus important encore, sa capacité bénéficiaire s’était améliorée de quelque 10,6% à 1,4 milliard de dirhams.
Aujourd’hui, l’heure est à la fusion entre Lafarge et ses deux principales filiales, à savoir Lafarge Bétons et Lafarge Granulats. Selon les analystes de BMCE Capital Bourse, «cette opération permet le déploiement d’une stratégie intégrée de développement d’offres de services et de solutions constructives et ce, à travers une plus forte coopération entre les différentes activités du Groupe». La fusion offre aussi la possibilité de «mettre en œuvre les synergies entre les différents pôles d’activité et d’améliorer le positionnement et la visibilité du groupe auprès de ses clients et ses partenaires», soulignent toujours les analystes. L’heure est à la poursuite des investissements pour le cimentier qui entend développer tant de nouveaux produits que de nouvelles solutions de constructions. De même, divers projets de valorisation de déchets ménagers et industriels sont à l’ordre du jour. Enfin, Lafarge compte aussi ouvrir des centrales à bétons afin de renforcer son offre à ce niveau. Concernant sont offre de ciment, le leader du secteur est toujours sur son projet de construction de l’unité d’Agadir. 
Pour Holcim, si la tendance de l’année dernière est maintenue, les réalisations en seront certainement très affectées. En effet, le groupe avait subi un repli important de son chiffre d’affaires consolidé qui est passé de 3,32 à 3,11 milliards de dirhams, soit une baisse de 6,3%. Et côté résultat opérationnel, c’est près de 50 millions de dirhams de moins qu’enregistre le cimentier du Centre et de l’Oriental avec quelque 823 millions de dirhams, contre 875 millions de dirhams en 2013. Mais c’est au niveau du résultat net part du groupe que la baisse s’est le plus fait sentir. Puisque le groupe Holcim a vu sa capacité bénéficiaire passer de 490 millions à 377 millions de dirhams, soit un repli de 23%.
Côté perspectives, «le directoire table sur un tassement de l’activité de BTP en 2014 devant se traduire par un nouveau recul de la demande en ciment», rappellent les analystes de BMCE Capital Bourse. Selon eux, compte tenu de l’évolution défavorable de l’activité «et des excédents de production dont dispose la société, cette dernière a entrepris de chercher des débouchés à l’export, peut-être notamment l’Algérie ou la Libye». A cet effet, «la société a conclu un contrat d’exportation de clinker pour l’année 2014 devant permettre de saturer la production de l’usine d’Oujda», soulignent-ils.
Néanmoins, l’année dernière, de tous les opérateurs cotés à la bourse de Casablanca, c’est Ciments du Maroc qui a été le moins affecté sur le plus commercial. Certes, pour ce qui concerne le ciment, il enregistre un repli de 6,4% des ventes. Mais, grâce à ses autres produits, le cimentier historique de Marrakech et d’Agadir a réussi à compenser ce recul. En effet, le béton prêt à l’emploi (BPE) a enregistré une croissance de 12,5%, alors que les granulats progressent également de 6,7%. De sorte, Ciments du Maroc a pu stabiliser son chiffre d’affaires autour de 3,62 milliards de dirhams. Alors que son résultat opérationnel a connu l’année dernière une croissance de 5,1% pour s’établir à quelque 1,13%. Alors que le résultat net consolidé a enregistré un bond de 23%, atteignant 820 millions de dirhams.
Selon Attijari Intermédiation, l’export de clinker, un nouveau levier de croissance.
Selon Attijari Intermédiation, «la contre-performance du secteur du ciment qui s’est matérialisée par une baisse de 4,4% des ventes de ciment s’expliquerait en grande partie par la baisse significative des mises en chantier dans le secteur immobilier, particulièrement dans le segment économique». «Néanmoins, pensent les analystes de la société de bourse du groupe Attijariwafa bank, l’activité des opérateurs cotés devrait surperformer le marché domestique au terme du premier semestre 2014». En effet, la baisse de la consommation nationale du ciment au premier semestre 2014 serait a priori, compensée par le développement de l’activité d’exportation de clinker vers l’Afrique Centrale.
Toujours selon les analystes d’Attijari Intermédiation, les opérateurs cotés, à savoir Lafarge, Holcim et Ciments du Maroc, ont signé courant 2014 des contrats d’exportations vers plusieurs pays africains. «Le développement effectif de ces activités s’est reflété en partie, sur les résultats trimestriels 2014 des cimentiers. Alors que la consommation du ciment au Maroc affiche une baisse de 3,2% sur le premier trimestre 2014, les réalisations à fin mars restent correctes. Ainsi, «Holcim Maroc annonce une hausse de ses volumes vendus sur le marché local. Ciments du Maroc afficherait un volume quasi stable comparé au premier trimestre 2013 et Lafarge Maroc enregistrerait une progression de son chiffre d’affaires de 0,9% fin mars 2014 due à un effet mix produit».

BRAZIL: Produção de cimento em Sergipe iniciou o ano com alta

Análise realizada pelo Boletim Sergipe Econômico, parceria do Núcleo de Informações Econômicas da Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Sergipe (FIES) e do Departamento de Economia da UFS, com base nos últimos dados publicados pelo Sindicato Nacional da Indústria do Cimento, revelou que, em Sergipe, a produção de cimento atingiu 289,1 mil toneladas em janeiro de 2014. Em termos relativos, a produção foi 12,8% maior no comparativo anual (janeiro/2013). Em relação ao mês anterior, o aumento na produção foi de apenas 2,2%.

Vale ressaltar que Sergipe apresenta grande potencial na produção de cimento, sendo o maior produtor do nordeste.

Consumo de Cimento

O consumo aparente de cimento no estado chegou a 55,9 mil toneladas no primeiro mês de 2014. A quantidade consumida de cimento foi 4,9% maior na comparação anual (janeiro/2013). E em relação ao mês anterior (dezembro/2013), o consumo foi 15,6% maior.

No Nordeste, os maiores consumidores de cimento são os estados da Bahia, Pernambuco e Ceará.

TURKEY: Çimsa Sancim Bilecik Çimento'yu 220,7 milyon dolara satın aldı

Sabancı Holding'e ait Çimsa, Sançim Bilecik Çimento'nun yüzde 100'nü 220,7 milyon dolara almak için mukavele imzaladığını Kamuoyunu Aydınlatma Platformu'na bildirdi

Sabancı Holding şirketlerinden Çimsa, Sançim Bilecik Çimento'nun sermayesinin % 100'ünü satın alınması hususunda pay alım satım mukavelesi imza altına aldı .Nominal değeri 87. beş milyon lira olan hisselerin devir ücreti düzeltmeler hariç 220.7 milyon dolar olarak belirlendi.KAP'ta dün akşam yayınlanan açıklamaya göre, hisselerin, Aunde Teknik Tekstil, E.N.A. Tekstil, Celal Sönmez, Ali Cem Sönmez, Osman Sönmez, Cemil Sönmez, Ali Hazır ve Mehmet Hazır'dan satın alınması hususunda 15 Temmuz 2014 tarihinde "Hisse Alım ve Satım Sözleşmesi" imzalandı.Hisselerin devri ve pay devir bedelinin ödenmesi, Rekabet Kurulu'nun izninin alınmasından ve pay devir sözleşmesinde öngörülen diğer işlemlerin yerine getirilmesinden akabinde kapanışta gerçekleştirilecek.Beyanatta bulunan bilgiye göre, satıcı şirketler ve kişiler ile Çimsa arasında denetim ve sermaye bakımından dolaylı ya da dolaysız bir ilişki bulunmuyor.Sabancı gelirlerde % 15 kârda İkili haneli büyüyecek.

KENYA: Cement consumption rises to 2M metric tons

Cement consumption for first five months of this year went up by more than four hundred thousand tons to two million metric tons according to the latest figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

The leading economic indicator report says the quantity of cement produced increased from 461 thousand metric tons in April 2014 to 477 thousand metric tons in May 2014.

Consumption also went up from 427 thousand metric tones recorded in April 2014 to 450 thousand metric tones in May 2014.

The construction industry is witnessing a major boom with the government and the private sector embarking on mega projects like the LAPPSET corridor and the standard gauge railway line plus the various shopping malls and multi-storied buildings under construction around the country.

Latest economic indicators data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the production and consumption of cement in Kenya has nearly doubled as the real estate sector continues to shine.

The industry is among the fastest growing in the country, with consumption jumping by more than 100,000 metric tons the consumption a year ago.

However, the building and construction sector recorded a slower growth of 4.9 percent compared to a growth of 7.4 percent in a similar quarter in 2013.

According to KNBS, Kenyans are now consuming more than 450,000 metric tons per month, up from 340,000 metric tons a year ago.

In May, consumption of cement in stood at 450,379 metric tons. This was an increase of 112,513 metric tons from what the country consumed in a similar period last year and 140,878 metric tons more in comparison to figures in 2012.

The report further says the use of cement has increased from March, with consumption rising from 387,266 metric tons to 426,523 metric tons in April and 450,379 metric tons in May.

There are five cement companies in Kenya, namely Bamburi Limited, Rhino, East African Portland, Athi River Mining and Savanna.

Bamburi and East African Portland are the largest, commanding more than half of the market share.

As demand of cement increases, more players are set to come into the sector, among them Dangote Cement, owned by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote and the Indian based Sanghi group of company who are putting up a 12 billion shillings plant in Pokot County.

WORLD: Holcim und Lafarge müssen abspecken

Die Zement-Hersteller Holcim und Lafarge machen im Hinblick auf ihre Fusion vorwärts. Am Montag gaben sie bekannt, welche Unternehmensteile aus Wettbewerbsgründen verkauft werden müssen. Die meisten Verkäufe gibt es in Europa, wo die Überlappungen gross sind.

Konkret trennt sich Holcim von seinem Geschäft in Frankreich, Serbien sowie von den operativen Aktiven in Ungarn, wie es in einer gemeinsamen Mitteilung heisst. Im Gegenzug stösst Lafarge sein Geschäft in Deutschland, Rumänien und La Réunion ab. Hinzukommt die Zementfabrik im österreichischen Mannersdorf, sowie Lafarges Tarmac Aktiven in Grossbritannien.

Ausserhalb von Europa wird Holcim sich aus Kanada und Mauritius zurückziehen. Auf den Philippinen wollen die beiden Konzerne die Zusammenführung ihrer Geschäftsaktivitäten prüfen.

Noch keine Details gaben Holcim und Lafarge für ihre Geschäfte in Brasilien bekannt. Der brasilianischen Wettbewerbsbehörde werde demnächst eine Liste vorgesehener Verkäufe vorgelegt werden, heisst es weiter.

In der Ankündigung wird ein grosser Teil der Veräusserungen kommuniziert. Beide Gruppen werden aber prüfen, ob zusätzliche Desinvestitionen aufgrund von Überlappungen notwendig sind.

INDIA: Cement boycott increases exports to Sri Lanka

After builders boycotted buying cement, the industry has started exporting cement raw material through Kakinada port.

Cement companies have begun exporting cement clinker to Srilanka and other countries from July 11.

Cement manufacturing companies that have reduced or stopped production due to lack of sales, are looking at other alternatives.

Sources at Kakinada Seaports Limited said that for the first time in the season 29,000 metric tonnes of cement clinker have been exported from Kakinada deep water port since July 11. 

“There was no export of cement clinker in the recent past as it was used in the country. It has rarely been exported,” a source aid.

Nearly 2,000 major developers from Telangana and AP builders and 1,000 contractors formed a JAC and boycotted the purchase of cement until July 20 in protest of price hike due to alleged syndicating by cement manufacturers. 

Real estate developers association and builders associations of both the states are supporting the boycott.

“Manufactures cannot stock cement on a large scale. So they are forced to export the cement clinker which attracts less tax,” said a port official.

NEW ZEALAND: Use of Cheap Cement Could Have Nasty Aftermath

Cheap cement imported from overseas has potential to cause significant building issues and costly legal battles in New Zealand, says New Zealand First.

"We have been informed that some concrete will crumble and weaken over time if a too highly alkaline cement is used," says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters. "While New Zealand cement producers have regulated the alkaline content, overseas producers do not.

"New Zealand First calls on Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith to reassure New Zealanders that all imported cement will be required to meet strict standards.

"The Minister must consider if it is time to rethink the industry's self-imposed specifications, particularly if more and more cement is being imported.

"Where the strength of our buildings is concerned there is no place in New Zealand for cutting red tape, which the Minister spoke about recently in talking about shoddy builders.

"The potential detrimental reaction from some imported cement was discovered in the 1940s during dam construction.

"Some cements when combined with local volcanic aggregates caused an alkali silica reaction which meant the concrete would have a much shorter lifespan.

"In announcing moves to clamp down on shoddy builders, the Minister said there could be a temptation to cut corners with so much construction under way in the Christchurch Rebuild.

"We urge the Minister to ask questions around imported cement and put the appropriate guidelines in place," says Mr Peters. "The country can ill afford another leaky homes crisis."

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

USA: Orcem plans ‘green’ cement plant at Vallejo terminal

Orcem Americas, Inc., plans to build a $50 million “green” cement manufacturing facility on 4.8 acres that are part of the Vallejo Marine Terminal across from the Mare Island waterfront.

Orcem signed a 65-year lease for that part of the 34.3-acre terminal, the former home of a General Mills flour processing facility.

When fully operational, this plant is set to employ about 60, produce 2,200 tons of cement per day and have an almost zero carbon dioxide–equivalent emissions footprint. Emissions saving are projected to be 0.8 tons of gases per ton of cement produced.This project has an investment budget of $50 million and will involve 140,000 hours of union labor, according to Orcem President Stephen Bryan. Once California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) certification is obtained, construction is set to run 18 months, positioning the plant for commissioning in the second quarter of 2016.

The announcement came during a joint “Manufacturing Matters” meeting of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce and the Solano Economic Development Commission on June 12 attended by nearly 100 local business leaders and representatives of elected officials at the Vallejo Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.

Orcem is the U.S. subsidiary of privately held Ecocem Materials Ltd., based in Dublin, Ireland. Other plants are in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Marseilles, France, and Dublin.

Ecocem sells 1 million tons of cement annually in six countries. The product produces almost-white cement, helping to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Made from high-quality granulated material resembling damp beach sand, this next-generation cement is a byproduct of processing ore into metallic iron in Japan.

The new plant will utilize energy-efficient processing equipment from Germany to grind and dry the raw, granular material into powder for distribution by truck. All equipment will be inside a vacuum-sealed, clean and energy-efficient building that is also being designed to reduce noise. 

“For years the U.S. has been shipping grain to Japan on large ships that come back empty,” Mr. Bryan said. “Now these vessels will carry our raw material on the return trip docking in Vallejo. Our product is more durable than traditional cement and delivers a longer life span for structures and road repairs.”

This unique cement has been used locally in building the new 49er stadium, at Apple’s headquarters, for the eastern span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and also for NASA applications.

“We were looking for a deep-water port with berths located near major Interstate highways and rail lines,” Mr. Bryan said. “Vallejo has all three.”

He said Vallejo is an ideal distribution hub close to San Francisco and only 60 miles from Sacramento and 70 miles from San Jose.

With Northern California importing most of its raw materials, this port could be a domestic and international gateway for bringing coiled steel, timber and other key building materials into the state.

Mr. Bryan estimates that Orcem will pay the city of Vallejo $360,000 annually as a utility users tax, and $410,000 to Solano County each year as property tax. The overall positive GDP economic impact on the area is estimated to be $13 million.

Sandy Person, president of the Solano County Economic Development Commission, officiated the meeting.

“Orcem can serve as a catalyst for other firms to consider relocating to this region to be close to producers and suppliers of key infrastructure building materials,” she said.

Vallejo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rich Curtola said “something positive” is happening in his home town.

“I feel change in the air,” he said.

Vallejo Vice Mayor Bob Dukaia said the U.S. is bringing back elements of sustainability: manufacturing and facility reuse.

“Economic development like this will rebuild our community, take us into the future and provide jobs for our youth,” he said.

Kish Rajan, director of Governor Brown’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz), said California’s economy has recovered and is moving in the right direction.

“Since 2013 the private sector has produced 300,000 jobs,” he said. “Our state leads the nation in economic output, and has tremendous economic capacity. We have regained our position as the eighth-largest economy in the world.”

He sees manufacturing as the sector providing opportunity in a state where $200 billion in economic output, No. 1 in the U.S., is produced.

However, Mr. Rajan said there are still disparities across the state. While coastal cities, driven by technology, are hubs of innovation and are doing well, other regions, not in tech sectors, see less favorable conditions and lack economic momentum — some have 10 percent–15 percent unemployment.

As a stimulus to business, he referenced the governor’s California Compete Tax Credit Program, offering $780 million in business tax credits. The first allotment of $30 million in tax credits was announced last week, with another $150 million in credits to be issued soon.

He said another incentive, a sales tax exemption for the purchase of equipment by all manufacturing companies, will go into effect July 1, saving 4.19 percent — the state’s portion of the sales tax.

Bill Browne, director of workforce and economic development with Manex Consulting, a firm providing services to small and mid-size manufacturers in Northern California, said there are more manufacturing jobs in the Golden State today than five years ago, and that NorCal leads the nation in coming out of the recession with three percent job growth, compared with two percent for the U.S. as a whole.

“With 41,000 manufacturers, California has more than any other state, accounting for over 1.3 million high paying manufacturing jobs. Some 11,500 of these firms are based in Northern California. In addition, re-shoring is bringing more jobs back to the U.S., including work for contract manufacturers. We can continue to grow, but we have to be the best at what we do,” Mr. Browne said.

Monday, July 14, 2014

SPAIN: EU antitrust regulator objects to Cemex, Holcim deal in Spain

Europe's antitrust regulator has objected to Cemex's plan to acquire Holcim's Spanish units, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, denting the Mexican cement producer's hopes of getting EU approval without concessions.

Cemex and Holcim unveiled the deal in August last year, part of which included the Swiss-based peer taking over Cemex's German businesses. The European Commission cleared this deal unconditionally earlier this month.

The Spanish part however triggered an in-depth probe by the EU competition watchdog in April. Its preliminary review showed that the takeover would substantially curb competition in the grey cement market in certain parts of Spain.

"The European Commission has sent a statement of objections to the companies," the person said, referring to a document which backs up the EU watchdog's views that the deal would be a significant impediment to competition.

Reacting to the new, Cemex said: "We cannot comment and the process is following its normal course. Proper disclosure will be made when we have to make it."

Commission spokesman for competition policy, Antoine Colombani, and Holcim declined to comment.

Companies typically allay regulatory concerns by offering concessions such as asset sales or pledges giving rivals access to key infrastructure, networks or key technology.

The source said Cemex had offered some concessions during the Commission's preliminary review but these were not considered to be sufficient. The Commission has set a Sept. 5 deadline for its decision.

GHANA: Work Begins On New Cement Plant

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday cut the sod for the construction of a 60-million euro cement plant in Tema.

It will produce one million tonnes of cement in a year.

Located in the Free Zones enclave, the project is being executed by Cimaf Ciments de L'Afrique, a subsidiary of the Addoha Group of Morocco.

Construction work will take 18 months to complete.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama expressed the hope that the completion of the project would help stabilise the price of the product on the market.

He touched on the current price hike in cement and said the situation had links with rumours of an impending shortage of the product.

He dispelled the rumors, saying the five cement plants in the country were operating and so there should be no panic buying.

The President said the investment by the Addoha Group was symbolic of the bond of friendship between Morocco and Ghana.

He stated that in spite of the economic challenges facing Ghana, the country remained the most successful investment destination in West Africa.

Recognising the boom in the construction industry, he said it was the result of the economic growth of the country which currently stood at seven per cent per annum.

He also touched on the housing deficit and said the coming of Addoha would help address the challenge.

The establishment of the cement plants — the first Moroccan industrial investment in Ghana — is the first phase of a long-term investment drive by the Moroccan group.

Addoha has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government for the construction of 10,000 social housing units over seven years, totaling about 250 million euros.

It will also construct schools, clinics, playing fields, places of worship, among other projects, in the long term.

The cement project will give direct and indirect jobs to 1,200 people.
Addoha, a leader in the social housing sector in Africa, has a turnover of one billion euros.

The project is part of the developer’s objective to partner the Ghana government to provide low-priced social housing for the people.

The Chairman of Cimaf, Mr Anas Sefrioui, said the King of Morocco believed in South-South cooperation, with Ghana remaining a partner in that respect.

He said the cement plant would be managed by Ghanaian expertise.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Haruna Iddrissu, accused manufacturers and retailers in the cement industry of colluding to hike the price of the product.

He said the government would soon come up with a " competition law" to help introduce sanity into the pricing of cement, among other items.

IRAN: 3-month cement, clinker exports exceed 5m tons

Iran exported over 5.07 million tons of cement and clinker in spring 2014, which corresponds to the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year.

Iran exported over 1.203 million tons of cement and 398,798 tons of clinker in the third Iranian calendar month of Khordad (May 22-June 21), the Mehr News Agency reported on Sunday.

In the manufacture of Portland cement, clinker is lumps or nodules, usually 3–25 mm in diameter, produced by sintering limestone and alumino-silicate (clay) during the cement kiln stage.

Iran exported around 18 million tons of cement in the previous Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20, 2014.

In the past Iranian year, Iran exported cement to 24 countries, including Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Oman, India, and China.

The country ranked first in the Middle East and third in the world in terms of cement exports.