Concrete

Shaping the Future

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

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Jigyasa Kishore, Vice President Enterprise Sales and Solutions, Moglix discusses the critical role of cement capacity expansion in India’s infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of technological advancements, sustainability and strategic investments amid market challenges.

With an installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes, India is the second-largest cement producer in the world. Cement consumption in India is expected to reach 450.78 million tonnes by the end of FY27, owing to rapid urbanisation and smart city development plans. Infrastructure, typically, receives the most funding from the government which bodes well for the cement industry. At a time when India is urbanising and building infrastructure at breakneck speed, the role of cement capacity expansion is becoming critical. This expansion, today, supports the market demands as well as contribute towards the nation’s economic ambitions.

Setting a firm foundation
Cement is an essential component in the construction of any nation. Roads and bridges, airports and public buildings all indicate cement’s critical importance in infrastructure development. Urbanisation is fuelled by it through the creation of housing projects aimed at achieving economic growth and development. Here’s why capacity expansion of cement production is critical:
Urbanisation: The demand for cement increases as urbanisation intensifies. This is further evidenced by the budget estimate for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing, which has been pegged at US$ 9.63 billion (Rs.79,590 crore) for the first time, registering an increase of 66 per cent over the previous year’s budget.
Major infrastructure projects: Large infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and city-development require considerable quantities of cement. Capacity expansion can ensure steady supplies of good-quality cement to these large-scale projects and see their timely and expeditious completion. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) has been widened to 9,735 projects worth $1,828.48 billion. Many of the upcoming projects will be heavily dependent on the cement industry. In addition, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for infrastructure is further driving up the
cement demand.
Employment Generation: Increased production capacity directly results in job creation in the cement industry. Additionally, a corresponding demand for further employment in complementary sectors such as construction, logistics, and retail is also generated. This bolsters holistic economic development and prosperity.
Regional Economic Growth: New cement plants are often set up in regions with abundant raw materials but stunted industrial development. By setting up new plants in these regions, local resources can be leveraged and the overall growth story of the region can be improved. For instance, Dalmia Bharat recently announced a $10.9 million investment for further expansion of its already existing cement plant in the small town of Banjari in Bihar. The increasing presence of small and mid-size cement players across various regions helps dilute market concentration of industry leaders, leading to a more competitive and diverse market landscape.

Reinforcing the Structure
India’s cement industry is currently experiencing a tough fiscal year and there has been a downturn in pricing. Moderate demand is expected for H1FY25. Temporary setbacks such as labour shortage and heavy monsoons have also caused the demand for cement to take a dip in the past couple of months.
Needless to say, expanding capacity during periods of subdued demand involves risk. Cost implications of such investments can be significant. And firms could fail to recoup their investments if market conditions don’t improve as planned. Over-expansion could also result in an oversupplied market and further impact the prices as well as profit margins. Cement producers are currently under pressure due to reduced prices and slow demand. While this price dip might adversely affect profits in the short term, it could be seen as market adjustment ahead of a surge in anticipated demand during the second half of the fiscal year
Periods of uncertainty can be looked at as opportunities for companies to diversify risks and invest in innovation. Developing and launching new cement products for specific use-cases would contribute to the top line. Targeting export markets for better demand can also ensure the optimal use of additional capacities. At the same time, focusing on operational efficiencies would help the companies keep the cost of production in check.
New investments made in cement production facilities automatically come with the latest technological advancements that can enhance efficiency, minimise environmental impacts, and improve the quality of cement. This leads to construction practices that are more durable and sustainable. JSW, for instance, has initiated research on the integration of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag, calcined clay, and more. These materials not only improve the durability and strength of cement but also contribute towards reduction of carbon footprint of the cement industry. In order to meet energy demands sustainably, we must look at better industry practices such as usage of waste heat recovery systems, high-efficiency coolers and preheaters, and transition towards clean energy sources like solar or wind power.
There is also a growing need for cement companies to become environmentally conscious. Modern cement plants are increasingly adopting greener technologies owing to the decarbonisation pressure. Capacity expansion while keeping sustainability at its core will help check environmental impact of cement production while also aligning with the challenging global environment-conservation goals. Recently, UltraTech announced that it had received Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificates for four of its cement products. Similarly, Dalmia Bharat (Cement) has announced plans to produce 100 per cent low-carbon cement by 2031 and has a US$ 405 million carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) investment plan to achieve this goal. Such efforts are laudable and set a fine example for all industry players.

Shaping a Stronger Nation
Cement capacity expansion is a strategic move for the Indian cement industry. While short-term market fluctuations present challenges, continued investment in capacity expansion reflects a long-term vision for shaping India’s future infrastructure landscape. The current economic climate demands agility and innovation from Indian cement players. The leaders need to lead by example. By adopting industry best-practices, aiming for sustainable development, and working towards continuous growth and advancement, the cement industry is sure to rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

About the author
Jigyasa Kishore comes with 15+ years of experience at building brands, enabling enterprise growth, and transforming organisational performance with a technology-first approach. At Moglix, she leads brand growth as a digital supply chain solutions architect for large manufacturing enterprises.

She is an alumnus of the Indian

School of Business, Hyderabad, and Bangalore University.

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Concrete

Steel Ministry Proposes Rs.23.52 Lakh Crore for Decarbonisation

Steel Ministry unveils massive decarbonisation plan.

Published

3 hours ago

September 16, 2024

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Decarbonisation Proposal:
The Steel Ministry has outlined a substantial Rs.23.52 lakh crore proposal aimed at decarbonising the steel industry. This initiative is part of the broader sustainability and environmental goals set by the Indian government.

Objective and Goals:
The primary objective of the proposal is to reduce carbon emissions significantly and enhance the environmental performance of the steel sector. This aligns with India’s commitment to climate action and green growth.

Investment Focus:
The proposal will channel funds into advanced technologies, energy-efficient processes, and renewable energy sources. Key areas of investment include electrification, hydrogen-based steelmaking, and carbon capture technologies.

Expected Benefits:
Implementing this plan is expected to lead to major reductions in carbon emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to sustainable development. It will also bolster India’s position as a global leader in green steel production.

Industry Impact:
The steel industry, being a major emitter of greenhouse gases, will undergo a transformation. This shift will require industry-wide adaptation and could influence global steel market trends.

Government Support:
The Indian government is committed to providing policy support, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate this transition. This includes subsidies for green technologies and research and development funding.

Timeline and Phases:
The implementation will be carried out in phases over the coming years. Short-term goals will focus on immediate emission reductions, while long-term goals will target more comprehensive technological advancements.

Stakeholder Involvement:
Collaboration with industry stakeholders, technology providers, and research institutions will be crucial. Engagement with local communities and environmental groups will also play a role in ensuring the success of the proposal.

Challenges:
The initiative may face challenges such as high costs, technological barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges will be essential for the successful execution of the decarbonisation plan.

Future Outlook:
The proposal positions India as a key player in the global movement towards sustainable steel production. It sets a precedent for other sectors to follow and supports the country’s broader climate goals.

Conclusion:
The Steel Ministry’s proposal for a Rs.23.52 lakh crore decarbonisation plan represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. With substantial investment in green technologies and strong government support, this initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and position India as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Concrete

New home prices in China fall 5.3% in August 2024

New home prices were down 5.3% from a year earlier.

Published

3 hours ago

September 16, 2024

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Official data revealed that China’s new home prices had fallen at their fastest rate in over nine years in August, as supportive measures failed to induce a significant recovery in the property sector. The data showed that new home prices were down 5.3% compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest decline since May 2015, compared to a 4.9% drop in July, based on calculations by Reuters from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data. Monthly figures indicated that new home prices had fallen for the fourteenth consecutive month, decreasing by 0.7%, which was the same drop recorded in July.

The property market in China continues to struggle with deeply indebted developers, incomplete apartments, and declining buyer confidence, which is putting a strain on the financial system and threatening the 5% economic growth target for the year. A Reuters poll had forecast that home prices in China would decline by 8.5% in 2024 and by 3.9% in 2025 as the sector struggles to stabilise.

Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at property agency Centaline, mentioned that the property market is still gradually bottoming out, with home buyers’ demand, income, and confidence expected to take some time to recover. He noted that the market was anticipating a stronger policy response. According to the official data released on Saturday, property investment had fallen by 10.2% and home sales had dropped by 18.0% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year.

Chinese policymakers have stepped up efforts to support the property sector, including reducing mortgage rates and lowering home buying costs. These measures have partially revitalised demand in major cities, while smaller cities, which have fewer home purchase restrictions and high levels of unsold inventory, are particularly vulnerable. This situation underscores the difficulties faced by authorities in balancing demand and supply across different regions.

In a research note on Friday, Nomura indicated that with the growth slowdown worsening under new headwinds in the second half of the year, Beijing might eventually need to step in as the “builder of last resort” by directly providing funding to delayed residential projects that have already been pre-sold. According to Bloomberg News, China may cut interest rates on over $5 trillion in outstanding mortgages as early as this month.

To support these mortgage rate cuts, economists at ANZ suggested that a reduction in the five-year Loan Prime Rate was likely in September, along with a 20 basis point cut to the medium-term lending facility (MLF) and a 50 basis point cut to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR).

Concrete

Indian Cement Industry Sees Further Consolidation

Cement industry to face consolidation soon.

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

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India’s cement sector is set for further consolidation in the near-to-medium term, according to a recent report. With increasing competition, rising input costs, and the need for economies of scale, companies are expected to explore mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to strengthen their market positions. As the industry faces various challenges, including high energy costs and fluctuating demand, consolidation is viewed as a strategic move to drive growth and sustainability.

Key Points:
Market Consolidation: The Indian cement industry has already witnessed significant consolidation over the past few years, with several large firms acquiring smaller players to enhance their market share. The trend is expected to continue, driven by the need to optimize operations, cut costs, and gain better pricing power. Consolidation helps companies to expand their geographic reach and strengthen their portfolios.

Rising Costs and Challenges: One of the primary drivers of consolidation is the rising cost of inputs, particularly energy and raw materials. With costs of coal and petroleum coke (key energy sources for cement production) soaring, companies are looking for ways to maintain profitability. Smaller and medium-sized players, in particular, find it challenging to cope with these rising costs, making them more likely targets for acquisition by larger companies.

Economies of Scale: Larger cement companies benefit from economies of scale, which help them absorb the impact of rising input costs more effectively. Consolidation allows firms to streamline production processes, reduce operational inefficiencies, and invest in advanced technologies that improve productivity. These efficiencies become critical in maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly challenging environment.

M&A Activity: The report highlights the potential for more mergers and acquisitions in the cement sector, particularly among mid-sized and regional players. The Indian cement market, which is highly fragmented, presents numerous opportunities for larger companies to acquire smaller firms and gain a foothold in new markets. M&A activity is expected to accelerate as firms seek growth through strategic alliances and acquisitions.

Regional Focus: Consolidation efforts are likely to be regionally focused, with companies looking to expand their presence in specific geographic areas where demand for cement is strong. Infrastructure development, government projects, and urbanization are driving demand in various parts of the country, making regional expansions an attractive proposition for firms looking to grow.

Impact on Competition: While consolidation may lead to a more concentrated market, it could also intensify competition among the remaining players. Larger firms with more resources and market reach could dominate pricing strategies and influence market dynamics. Smaller firms may either merge or struggle to compete, leading to a reshaping of the competitive landscape.

Demand Outlook: The near-term outlook for the cement industry remains uncertain, with demand being influenced by factors such as construction activity, infrastructure projects, and government initiatives. The report notes that while urban demand is expected to remain stable, rural demand continues to face challenges due to slow construction activities in those areas. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by ongoing infrastructure developments and real estate projects.

Sustainability Focus: Companies are also focusing on sustainability and environmental concerns. Consolidation can provide larger companies with the resources to invest in green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with both government regulations and market preferences shifting toward greener production practices.

Conclusion:
The Indian cement industry is poised for further consolidation in the coming years, driven by rising costs, competitive pressures, and the need for economies of scale. M&A activity is likely to accelerate, with larger firms targeting smaller and regional players to strengthen their market presence. While consolidation offers opportunities for growth and efficiency, it could also reshape the competitive landscape and influence pricing dynamics in the sector.