Given the slowing demand, sluggish pricing, and upward pressure on RM prices, cement companies will be under tremendous pressure to achieve and meet their financial targets and goals

CARE Ratings reviews the index of eight core infrastructure industries. During the first half of this fiscal year, the eight core industries production grew by 1.3 per cent, 4.2 per cent lower than that in the comparable period a year ago.

In an effort to bring back the"animal spirit" to the stock market, the government on September 20, 2019 lowered corporate tax effectively by 10 percentage points for existing companies and 12 basis points for new companies.

Cement prices remain at higher levels even in weak season, even as demand growth is expected to moderate to single digit this fiscal from double digit growth posted last fiscal.

Industry was expecting investment booster to the economy through various construction and infrastructure projects post-polls, and the demand was affected as these hopes were belied.

Though short on implementation roadmap, the budget lays out a grand vision for the future, like Rs 100 lakh crore of infrastructure projects in next five years.

In Indian Cement Review, It is customary for us to write about the cover story of the issue, in this editorial page. That is what I have been trying to adhere to month after month.

Though short on implementation roadmap, the budget lays out a grand vision for the future, like Rs 100 lakh crore of infrastructure projects in next five years.

Steep rise in prices over four months' span have tapered off demand. Further price hikes face challenges like delayed monsoon and allegations of cartelisation of cement manufacturers.