Cement and clinker trade prices edge up in January

GREENWICH, Conn. - Feb. 19, 2019 - PRLog -- According to CW Research's Cement and Clinker Price Assessments for Mediterranean Basin and Persian Gulf, FOB prices for both commodities displayed a slight improvement in the first month of the year.

In January 2019, in the Mediterranean Basin region, trade prices for both prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary Portland cement and of clinker recorded a slim increase when compared to December, with cement dispatches reaching between USD 39 and USD 41 per ton.

"In the beginning of 2019, cement export prices in the region are slightly increasing as major market players try to cover hikes in production costs. Currency depreciation is also bringing some pressure to cement prices", notes Ana Almeida, CW Group's Analyst.

In Spain, cement demand recorded a double-digit growth rate between November 2017 and October last year, having topped 13 million tons. Despite 19 consecutive months of positive movements in cement consumption, Spanish cement sales and exports remain well below those recorded before the crisis.

Pakistani producers struggle with unfair competition

In January, in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea region, trade prices for prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary grade clinker edged up. Even though FOB prices for cement dispatches remained flat in January, reaching between USD 34 and USD 36 per ton, a slow and shy recovery is taking place.

"Cement prices are slightly recovering in the beginning of the year for exporters in the region, with inflation and higher production costs underpinning the upward trend", observes Almeida.

In Pakistan, cement producers are complaining about cement imports. Local players argue that incoming products are below standards and cheaper, which creates a situation of unfair competition, since Pakistani manufacturers are subject to strict regulations. As such, cement producers demand a tighter border control and ask the government to relax its excise duty on the sector.

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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