Global Cement Consumption Set to Reach New Highs

LONDON, April 6, 2011 - UK-based International Cement Review has just announced the publication
of its latest Global Cement Report, a 400-page analysis and forecast for the
worldwide cement industry, with coverage of over 160 countries in unmatched
detail.

In essence, this new report notes that global cement consumption growth
slowed by 2.4 per cent in 2008 to 2830Mt, but recovering thereafter to 2998Mt
in 2009 and up to 3294Mt in 2010, giving annual growth rates of 5.9 per cent
and 9.9 per cent, respectively, for these latter two years. By 2012,
worldwide cement consumption is forecast to reach a record 3859Mt.

China now dominates world cement statistics consuming 1851Mt in 2010,
almost double 2004 levels, while India, the world's second-largest consumer
registered 212Mt in 2010. The United States, the third-largest consumer, saw
demand fall down to 69Mt.

World trade in cement and clinker was noted at 150Mt in 2010 of which
seaborne trade was estimated at 105Mt. Some 50Mt of clinker was included in
the above international trading totals.

Turkey is currently noted as the world's leading export nation of cement
and clinker, with sales of 19Mt in 2010, overtaking China which recorded
close to 17Mt of export sales. Thailand was third with 14Mt of cement and
clinker exports.

Bangladesh is currently the largest cement and clinker import nation
worldwide with over 12Mt of deliveries in 2010 followed by Nigeria at 7Mt and
the USA at close to 6Mt (down from 36Mt in 2006).

Lafarge retains its top position in terms of global cement sales of
141.2Mt and turnover of EUR15,884m ahead of Holcim with cement sales of
136.7Mt and a turnover of EUR15,691m. HeidelbergCement remains third, ahead
of Cemex, Italcementi and Buzzi Unicem. Holcim, however has the lead in terms
of global cement capacity at 212Mt, 11Mt higher than Lafarge.

The Global Cement Report also includes country-by-country cement
forecasts, including consumption, production, exports and imports up to 2012.
This unique reference work is accompanied by an indispensible CD providing 20
years of statistical data in Excel format, arranged by country and
geographical region.

The report is now available for immediate purchase from our website at:
www.cemnet.com/publications/GlobalCementReport9

Note to Editors: International Cement Review is recognised throughout the
cement industry as the leading provider of detailed cement information for
CEOs, managers, producers, traders and shipping specialists since 1988.

Contact David Hargreaves, +44(0)1306-740363

Contact David Hargreaves, +44(0)1306-740363