India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has published its quarterly edition on the cement sector, which highlights quarterly demand-supply, realisations, costs, profitability and credit metrics trends in the sector and of listed entities. The report also analyses the region-wise trends in housing as well as company-wise clinker and cement additions along with input and output price trends. The listed cement universe that generally accounts for 87 – 88 percent of the total industry volumes reported modest volume growth of around 3 percent yoy in 1QFY25 as construction activity was affected by the general election during the period, in addition to the heat waves. The northern region is likely to remain the most balanced region, with highest capacity utilisations followed by the central region. JK Cement celebrates 140 years of global innovation and market leadership JK Cement, one of India’s leading manufacturers of Grey Cement in India and one of the largest White Cement manufacturers in the world, celebrated 140 years of the company’s remarkable legacy at a grand event in the capital. The event honoured the group’s rich history, its significant contributions to multiple sectors of the Indian economy and the unwavering dedication of its employees and partners. Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “This year along with the 140 years milestone, also marks two significant milestones for us: 50 years of grey cement business and 40 years of white cement business, affirming our leadership in the industry. Contact: JK Cement Tel: 0512 - 2371478 Website: www.jkcement.com Indian cement makers to invest USD 14.3 billion over next 4 years This move, driven by rising domestic demand, is expected to add an additional 160-170 million tonne of cement production annually. The industry’s expansion will be predominantly funded through internal accruals, with minimal reliance on debt. The expansion is spurred by the government's massive infrastructure push, with plans to invest USD 1.7 trillion in infrastructure projects by 2030. According to S&P Global Ratings, the demand for cement in India is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 per cent over the next four years, aligning with the planned capacity additions. The bulk of this growth will come from the top-three cement producers–Ultratech, Ambuja and Shree Cement, which will account for over 70 per cent of the country’s total capacity increase. Plastic waste to power cement plant furnace Trichy Corporation has signed an agreement with a cement manufacturing unit in Ariyalur to utilise the city's non-recyclable and non-saleable plastic waste as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to power the plant's furnaces. The innovative approach aims to divert a substantial portion of non-recyclable waste from the landfill at Ariyamangalam dump yard. The initial supply will be 300 tonne a month, which will increase by collaborating with more cement plants. Trichy generates about 480 tonne of waste daily, of which 52 percent is biodegradable, 32 percent non-biodegradable and 16 percent is non-recyclable and non-saleable, also known as inert waste. Top companies to command 60 percent production capacity by 2026 The top four companies – UltraTech, Ambuja, ACC and Shree Cement – are expected to command 60 per cent of the production capacity in the next two years, compared to 50 per cent logged last fiscal. CareEdge Ratings said these firms had a consolidated market share of 35 per cent in FY12 which has strengthened to 50 per cent last fiscal year and is likely to be about 60 per cent by FY26-end. The industry has seen about 18 deals since April 2014 with almost 195 million tonnes of capacity changing hands. Of this, close to 116 MT changed hands between FY23 till July 2024. Contact: Ultratech Cement Tel: 22-66917800 Website: www.ultratechcement.com