New construction projects are expected to increase demand for cement in coming months.

Sales of cement companies dropped by 17 percent in November 2013 to 3.65 million tons compared to 4.37 million tons in the same period in 2012, local media said quoting a report.

The sales drop was attributed to the correction campaigns and raids recently carried out against irregular foreign workers following the expiration of amnesty period on Nov. 3, experts said.

Sales of all cement companies fell during November with the exception of three companies, namely Northern Province Cement Company (NPCC), Arabian Cement Company (ACC) and Madinah Cement Company (MCC) whose sales increased by 58 percent, 24 percent and 20 percent, respectively, the report, based on data released by Yamamah Cement Company (YCC), said.

Riyadh Cement Company (RCC) and Jouf Cement Company (JCC) posted the biggest drop in November at 45 percent and 44 percent, respectively, the report said. Likewise, sales of Saudi Cement Company (SCC) and YCC contracted by 21 percent and 32 percent, respectively, according to the report.

Regarding clinker, the 15 working cement companies produced 4.75 million tons in November compared to 4.35 million tons in the same period last year, or an increase of 9.19 percent, the report said.

Earlier, a YCC report said cement sales rose by 2 percent to 4.19 million tons in October 2013 compared to 4.13 million tons in October 2012.

Additionally, the volume of cement produced by Saudi cement companies reached 4.23 million tons against 4.22 million tons in the comparable periods.

For clinker production, it soared by 19 percent in October 2013 to reach 4.74 million tons compared to 3.98 million tons in October 2012.