Lafarge sees exports go up 10% in Q1

The volume of exports handled by Lafarge through the SICIM terminal grew 10% in the first quarter of the year against the same period last year, according to company representatives. Through SICIM, whose majority shareholder is Lafarge Ciment (99.79% of the shares), the local cement division of the French group Lafarge started to export clinker in March this year. The decision to add clinker, a prefab that cement is derived from to the list of exports came as a result of demands from the West coast of Africa. Cement is exported to the USA and Nigeria, while clinker goes to Nigeria and Cameroon. Exports account for 45% of the production in Medgidia, which stands at some 2 million tonnes of cement and clinker per year. Lafarge also has cement plants in Hoghiz (Brasov) and Targu Jiu. Lafarge Ciment has a net profit margin for exports of up to 5%. Last year, the gross profit of Lafarge Ciment exceeded 50 million euros, having a margin of some 30%. “The construction market in Romania has not attained its full potential yet,” say representatives of the cement division.