Cement and clinker trade prices inch down in December

GREENWICH, Conn. - Jan. 15, 2019 - PRLog -- According to CW Research's Cement and Clinker Price Assessments for Mediterranean Basin and Persian Gulf, FOB prices for cement and clinker recorded a slight decrease in both regions in December.

During the last month of 2018, in the Mediterranean Basin region, trade prices for both prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary Portland cement and clinker slipped mildly when compared to November, with cement dispatches reaching between USD 39 and USD 41 per ton.

"The end of the year comes with the usual price discounts in cementitious commodities in order to clear unsold stock. In the Med Basin, some key players are investing in CO2 reduction as a key resolution for 2019", notes Ana Almeida, CW Group's analyst.

Such is the case of Portuguese cement producers, who plan to curb CO2 emissions by using waste co-processing. The effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has been particularly noticeable in the last 13 years, as manufacturers have been using waste as an alternative fuel or as a replacement for clinker in the production process. As a consequence, Portuguese cement makers' reliance on petcoke imports has been decreasing.

Saudi Arabia to export white cement

In December, in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea region, FOB prices for bulk ordinary Portland cement and for prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary grade clinker also slipped slightly on a monthly basis, with cement dispatches reaching between USD 34 and USD 36 per ton.

Ana Almeida observes: "In the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea region, the end of the year has brought seasonal price reductions as a tool to dispose of surpluses. Cement and clinker exporters remain hopeful that 2019 will bring about a better shipping year in the region."

Meanwhile, Northern Cement wants to turn Saudi Arabia into a white cement exporter to markets such as Jordan, Iraq, India, and Australia. The installation of a new white cement production line is aimed at covering between 30 to 40 percent of the domestic market, whose needs are currently being met through imports.

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For more information, placing an order, or interview inquiries, please contact Mihnea Manea, Media and Market Services Executive, CW Group, by phone at +40 723 281 704, or e-mail at mm@cwgrp.com.

About the Report

The Cement and Clinker Price Assessments for Med Basin and Persian Gulf are part of CW Research's price assessment series for tradable commodities. The reports offer prompt cargo (next 30-60 day deliveries) pricing insights, regular monitoring of the market and an overview of key developments that are crucial for those involved in the cement, clinker and petcoke trade to understand. The monthly price assessments synthesize key market information based on CW Research analysts' ongoing interactions with market participants, including traders, exporters, buyers and other stakeholders involved in the cement, clinker and petcoke trade.

More information about the price assessments can be found here: https://www.cwgrp.com/research/research-products/category/13-price-assessment

About CW Group

The Greenwich (Conn.), USA headquartered CW Group is a leading advisory, research and business intelligence boutique with a global presence and a multi-industry orientation. CW Group is particularly recognized for its sector expertise in heavy-side building materials (cement), light-side building materials, traditional and renewable power & energy, petrochemicals, metals & mining, industrial minerals, industrial manufacturing, bulk cargo & shipping, among others. We have a strong functional capability, grounded in our methodical and quantitative philosophy, including due diligence, sourcing intelligence, feasibility studies and commodity forecasting. www.cwgrp.com