Average cement and clinker export prices regain upward trajectory in the Mediterranean Basin in November

Average FOB prices for cement and clinker in the Mediterranean Basin region grew, whereas in the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea region prices kept declining in November, according to CW Research's Cement and Clinker Price Assessment for Med Basin and Persian Gulf.

Average FOB prices for bulk ordinary cement in the Med Basin region increased by less than 1 percent month-on-month in November, while export prices for prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary grade clinker also strengthened to reach over USD 25 per ton in the month. Meanwhile, in the Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea, FOB prices for prompt deliveries of bulk ordinary Portland cement declined slightly to USD 35 per ton while export prices for bulk ordinary grade clinker fell by over 1 percent.

ÔÇ£While cement consumption in key markets including Spain remained subdued for the most part year-to-date, demand responded positively in September helping support a slight price increase in the Mediterranean Basin. This was primarily the result of an impressive performance of Turkey cement exports and bodes well for the last quarter of the yearÔÇØ, assessed Juliana Viera, Business Analyst at CW Group.

Egyptian cement exports decline in the first nine months of the year

The value of Egyptian exports of cement from January to September 2020 decreased by 8 percent, reaching USD 113 million, compared to USD 123 million for the same period last year, according to a report of the Council Export of Building Materials.

Spanish cement consumption recorded a slight growth of almost 1 percent in September, while in the first nine months of the it declined by almost 12 percent. Demand saw a fall of more than one million tons when compared to the same period last year, according to Oficemen.

In January-September 2020, Turkey cement exports reached USD 923 million, with the US being the largest importer of Turkish cement accounting for almost of 20 percent of total imports during the period.

Cement sales in Saudi Arabia continues its upward trend

Saudi Arabia's cement sales continued on an upward trend, registering an increase of 15 percent year-on-year in October to almost 5 million tons, following growth in September. Domestic sales fulfilled more than 90 percent of the demand.

Cement producers in Iran's province of Khorasan Razavi exported 512,000 tons of cement through the Sarakhs railway border to Central Asian countries year-to-date through October, according to the Director General of Khorasan Railway. Out of the total, 75 percent was shipped to Uzbekistan, and the rest was exported to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Shipping market outlook

In terms of shipping at a global level, the Baltic Dry Index declined to 1,124 points on November 12, down 608 points from the level recorded on October 13, reflecting weaker tonnage demand and declining rates.

The Capesize and Panamax markets declined in the second week of November, rates in the Panamax market ebbed away and the Ultramax/Supramax market saw rates declining as sentiments weakened. The Handysize market also saw less activity, with rates slipping.

In terms of vessel trade, Scorpio Bulkers announced it has sold, between October 1 and 26, one Kamsarmax vessels and five Ultramax vessels. In the third quarter, the company had already sold two Kamsarmaxes for over USD 36 million.

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.