Ex-works cement prices jump in the Mediterranean Basin in 4Q2021

Ex-works cement prices in the fourth quarter of 2021, are forecast to range on a yearly basis, from a decrease of almost 6 percent in the Middle East to an increase of about 11 percent in the Mediterranean Basin, according to the 4Q2021 update of CW Research's Global Cement Trade Price Report.

In Asia-Pacific ex-China, ex-works prices are predicted to rise by over 1 percent year-on-year, as almost all markets had economic rebounds. Meanwhile, South America's average cement ex-works price is set to grow close to 6 percent year-on-year.

ÔÇ£Quarter-on-quarter, both regions see opposite trends. Prices are expected to increase in the Middle East, up by 1 percent QoQ, mostly due to prices increase in Saudi Arabia, while in the Mediterranean Basin prices are likely to see a slight decline of 0.1 percent QoQ with Egypt weighing on regional prices as a consequence of overcapacity and lower cement demand,ÔÇØ observes Vasco Teixeira, Business Analyst at CW Group.

Cement ex-works prices in China surge in 4Q 2021

The average ex-works price of cement in China is set to increase over 36 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to the previous quarter. Cement prices have been surging in the past few months, after a sharp decline during the rainy season.

In Asia-Pacific ex-China, ex-works prices are projected to rise over 1 percent quarter-on-quarter, despite the continuing negative impact of South Korea. Regional ex-works prices were boosted by the rise in Indonesia due to higher cement demand.

Mexico drives North America's cement ex-works price increase

In the fourth quarter of 2021, ex-works cement prices in North and Central America are expected to increase by 1 percent on a quarterly basis, with Mexico having the biggest increase QoQ.

In South America, in the same period, ex-works prices are expected to increase by almost 1 percent quarter-on-quarter, driven by Brazil and Peru.

Nigeria's cement demand boosts growth in Africa's ex-works prices

Nigeria's ex-works price increase, in the fourth quarter of 2021, is estimated to drive Sub-Saharan Africa's regional prices, as a consequence of the increase in building materials prices and growing cement consumption.

In Eastern Europe & CIS region, ex-works prices are projected to rise in all markets in the 4Q 2021. Prices are expected to grow by almost 1 percent, with Russia posting the biggest increase, boosted by the construction sector's positive performance.

The Global Cement Trade Price Report is CW Research's benchmark price assessment for monthly gray cement, white cement, clinker and granulated blast furnace slag prices and volumes. The 150+ page report, published on a quarterly basis, serves as the industry go-to source for monthly price data for over 70 individual markets worldwide, including multiple cornerstone data series: import, export, ex-works and market prices.

Find out more about the report here.