FOB prices in the Mediterranean Basin and Persian Gulf increase in June

• Cement export prices for bulk ordinary Portland cement both in the Mediterranean Basin and in the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea regions registered an increase of almost 1 percent month-on-month
• Pakistan’s cement exports decline in May
• Cement sales in Spain and Saudi Arabia increase in May

Greenwich (CT), USA, June 28, 2022 – Cement export prices for bulk ordinary Portland cement in the Mediterranean Basin region increased by almost 1 percent month-on-month in June 2022 as energy and fuel inflation continues to affect cement production, according to CW Research's Cement and Clinker Price Assessments for Med Basin and the Persian Gulf & East Africa..

In the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea, FOB prices for bulk Portland cement also registered an increase of around 1 percent when compared to the previous month. Clinker export prices followed the same the trajectory aslo increasing by 1 percent.

“Cement prices regionally, in fact globally show little signs of decline accounting for seasonality factors. High fuel and energy costs have been battering producers in recent months due to sanctions on Russian energy exports. This has also translated into increasing logistics costs resulting in the sustained increases in price being observed in these regions,” observes Wanderson Teixeira, Business Analyst at CW Group.

Cement sales in Saudi Arabia increase in May

Saudi Arabia’s cement sales in May increased almost 2 percent when compared to the same period in 2021. Cement imports also increased by 4 percent when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Spain’s cement sales increase in May

In Spain, cement consumption increased around 1 percent in May 2022 when compared to May 2021. In the first five months of the year, there was a sales increase of around 5 percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s cement sales also registered an increase of 7 percent in May 2022, when compared to the same period last year.

Pakistan exports decline in May

Cement shipments in Pakistan have been dropping every month, registering a decline of 16 percent year-on-year in May 2022. Cement exports have decreased 70 percent in the same period, when compared to May 2021.

Shipping market outlook

In terms of shipping at a global level, the Baltic Dry Index 2,260 points on June 13, down by 844 points compared to 3,104 points on May 13, due to declines across all segments.

The rising of fuel prices is impacting routes from Brazil to China, with a decline in grain shipments following the closure of Ukrainian ports and a low level of shipments to China are dragging down demand, whereas a renewed interest in coal in the European Union has provided new support to the market.

The Cement and Clinker Price Assessments for Med Basin and the 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.

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