Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The aggregate sales of 17 Saudi cement producers decreased by 8.5 percent to 4.1 million tons in September, from 4.5 million tons a year earlier, according to recent data issued by Yamama Cement Co.
Locally, eight market players reported better sales, led by Al-Safwa Cement Co. with a 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) surge, Argaam reported. Eastern Province Cement Co. came second with an 18 percent increase YoY.
On the other hand, nine cement producers recorded lower sales, dragged by Saudi Cement Co. with a drop of 36 percent YoY, followed by City Cement Company, with a decline of 32 percent YoY.
Six companies exported 183,000 tons of cement in September. Saudi Cement led the way with around 128,000 tons of exports.
Clinker production declined by 6 percent to 4.7 million tons in the same month from 5 million tons in September 2022, according to Argaam.
The clinker inventory rose 11 percent to 39.7 million tons in September, up from 35.8 million tons a year earlier.
Six companies exported clinker in September. Saudi Cement topped with about 187,000 tons, followed by Southern Province Cement Co. with 129,000 tons, Argaam reported.