Algeria to import 5.1 million tons of cement

The Algerian Ministry of Industry has decided to extend the contract sealed with the Turkish cement company last year concerning the import of 1 million tons of cement putting the overall quantity over the coming year to 5.1 millions in a bid to face the likely growing demand of this strategic product and curb speculation on the market.

•   In a declaration to “Echourok” the Building Materials Distribution Company General Manger, Mohammed Reffar has indicated that the contract is renewed by tacit agreement according to the provision included in the deal sealed by the two parties.
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• In this respect, Algeria will import 5.1 millions tons of cement to alleviate pressure on the Algerian companies.
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• M Reffar further added that the total production of the 12 Algerian companies, which have been brought together to mage a single group under Algerian legislation, will reach 10 million tons this year.
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• It should be noted that the domestic demand of this product has reached 16 million tons over the last- year and forecast predict a surge estimated at 02 million during the year 2010 making the overall demand to 18 million tons.
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• M Reffar has indicated that the price of the imported cement will cost around $ 100 a ton which is the same price of the locally produced cement, noting that the Algerian cement is the cheapest in the Mediterranean region though its quality is better in comparison to that produced in some countries like Italy, France, Tunisia and Italy.