国泰海通｜建材：水泥出海国别研究之刚果（金）

Group 1 - The article provides an overview of the economic development, cement supply and demand situation, competitive landscape, profitability, and trends in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [1] - The DRC is a resource-rich country with a population exceeding 100 million and a land area of 2.3454 million square kilometers, making it the second largest country in Africa [2] - Despite a low economic development level with a per capita GDP of just over $600, the DRC has significant mineral resources, including 75 million tons of copper (15% of the world's total), 4.5 million tons of cobalt (50% of the world's total), and 30 million tons of tantalum and niobium (80% of the world's total) [2] Group 2 - High inflation and rapid currency depreciation have led to a loose foreign exchange management system, allowing the free circulation of the US dollar [3] - Cement production and sales have been growing rapidly, but there is still a shortage; the per capita cement production in 2023 is only 23 kg, significantly below the average in Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating substantial growth potential [3] - Even with increased production, there is projected to be a shortfall of 780,000 tons in 2024, with an expanding trend in shortages for 2025 and 2026 [3] Group 3 - The DRC has only five cement plants, resulting in a favorable competitive landscape [4] - Cement prices in the DRC are among the highest in Africa, ranging from $170 to $400 per ton, influenced by the distance from production facilities [4] - Despite high prices, companies like CILU and PPC Barnet are experiencing losses due to unstable production, high electricity and transportation costs, and elevated financial expenses [4]