Tehran, Feb 15, IRNA - Iran exported 15.9m tons of cement and clinker during March 21, 2014-January 20, 2015, said the secretary of the Guild Association of Iran’s Cement Industry.

Abdolreza Sheikhan made the statement on Saturday, adding that the figure is expected to reach 18m tons by mid-March 2015.

He noted during mid-March-mid-December, 2014, cement and clinker exports amounted to 14.5m tons.

Sheikhan listed Iran’s export destinations as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Central Asian countries and the Persian Gulf littoral states.

He said Iranian cement has no rival in the Iraqi market in terms of quality and price.

“The association plans to identify new markets and boost export of clinker and cement, including those in Africa.”

At present, Iran’s share of the Iraqi market amounts to 60 percent.

He added, “About 90 percent of Iran’s cement are exported to foreign markets through roads. A large number of the cement production factories are not linked to railroad network and hence transportation is currently far more economical than using railroads for exports.”

Sheikhan said the removal of the Western sanctions imposed on the country will be effective in increased use of marine routes for cement and clinker exports.

In 2012, Iran exported 13.648m tons of cement and clinker, out of which 63 percent went to Iraq.

In the same time-span, cement output amounted to 70.25m tons.

Iran ranks first in cement production and exports in the Middle East. Because of its high quality, Iranian cement has a good market in neighboring countries.

Availability of raw materials, skilled workforce, indigenization of modern technologies, high quality and low prices are among the advantages of Iranian cement industry.

Currently, Iran produces 27 types of cement. Those involved in this industry believe that to expand export markets, Iran should facilitate trade, establish preferential tariff systems and help activate export organizations.