Med Basin FOB cement prices continue to increase in November

Cement export prices in November continued on an upward trend in the Mediterranean Basin, supported by robust volumes from Egypt and Algeria, despite a decline in other key markets, according to CW Research's Cement and Clinker Price Assessment for Med Basin and Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea & East Africa.

In East Africa, CFR prices for bagged cement continued to increase, by almost 1 percent month-on-month. Meanwhile, in the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea region, FOB cement prices posted another decline in November of 1 percent, compared to the previous month.

Regarding clinker prices, the same monthly trend was observed: export prices in the Mediterranean Basin region rose by over 1 percent, while in the Persian Gulf, they declined by almost 2 percent.

ÔÇ£Despite a decline in Spanish exports, the trade dynamics in the Mediterranean Basin continue to remain positive with robust figures from Egypt and Algeria. Meanwhile, large exporting markets in the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea continue to witness weak export demand, with prices following this trend,ÔÇØ explained Wanderson Teixeira, Business Analyst at CW Group.

Egypt's cement exports skyrocket in the 9-month period

Egypt's cement exports skyrocketed in the first nine months of 2021, reaching USD 347 million, with cement being exported to 76 countries, including Cameroon, Togo, Benin, Spain, Guinea, among others.

Lafarge Algeria announced it has crossed, for the first time, the milestone of 2 million tons of cement and clinker mortars exported. The company has targeted exports of 2.5 million tons by the end of 2021. Clinker and cement exports at the port of Oran, in Algeria, jumped during the first ten months of the current year, up by over 600,000 tons of clinker and almost 30,000 tons of cement.

Saudi cement exports continue to fall in October

Saudi Arabia's manufacturers exported about 400,000 tons of clinker in October, down from 460,000 in September, while cement exports plunged by almost 46 percent year-on-year.

In Iran, cement exports increased almost three times in September 2021, compared to the figures of the month of August, while clinker exports decreased by almost 10 percent month-on-month.

Shipping market outlook

In terms of shipping at a global level, the Baltic Dry Index plunged to 2,844 points on November 11, down by 2,362 points compared to 5,206 points on October 13, on the back of weaker rates across Capesize, Panamax, and Supramax segments.

In the shipping market, the Germany-based dry bulk owner Oldendorff Carriers placed an order at the Chinese Jiangsu Hantong shipyard for 12 eco kamsarmaxes with an initial order for five vessels with seven options likely to be declared during the first quarter of 2022. The delivery is expected between July 2022 and September 2023.

Also, in November, Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry (BSIC) won a contract from Chinese Maritime Transport (CMT) for the construction of two Newcastle maxes at USD 63 million per vessel and delivery expected in the third quarter of 2024.

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 report offers prompt cargo (next 30-60 days 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.

Find out more about the report here.