Cement demand in Saudi Arabia surged by around 14 percent in the first half of 2021, indicating the construction sector continues to recover from the adverse effects of Coronavirus, according to Yamama Cement. 

Higher demand boosted production by the Gulf Kingdom’s cement plants by nearly 12 percent to 27.9 million tonnes in the first half of 2021 from 24.9 million tonnes in the first half of 2020, the company said in its June report. 

Exports by cement firms also soared by nearly 80 percent to around 5 million tonnes from 2.8 million tonnes in the same period, the report showed. 

As a result, cement stocks in the world’s largest oil exporter dipped to about 32.9 million tonnes at the end of June from 42.2 million tonnes at the end of June 2020. 

“The increase in domestic demand and exports indicate that the construction sector in the Kingdom continues to recover thanks to the large housing projects and other major projects within Vision 2030,” the report said. 

(Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@refinitiv.com)

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