Gypsum industry news

Philippines: The Tariff Commission has ordered that anti-dumping duties of 9% be imposed on imports of gypsum wallboard from Thailand for a period of five years. The commission has found that imports caused ‘material injury’ to domestic gypsum wallboard production. In specifying the rate of duties, the commission named two Thai exporters of gypsum wallboard in particular: Gypman Tech Company and Thai Gypsum Products.

During the period under investigation (January 2019 – September 2024), dumped gypsum wallboard accounted for 71% of imports.

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products plans to focus on links with partners to launch more products in 2017. Managing director Richard Juggery said this was part of this company's strategy to expand and strengthen collaborations with domestic and international market partners, according to the Nation newspaper. He added that the company hopes to grow exports or expansion plans in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The subsidiary of Saint-Gobain has gypsum wallboard plants at Laem Chabang, Chon Buri and Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya.

Cambodia: Thai Gypsum Products, the Thai subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, has signed a joint-agreement with Cambodian company Camstar to expand its distribution networks in Cambodia. French multinational Schneider Electric also signed the agreement. The European companies hope to use Cambodian construction materials firm ISI Group, Camstar's parent company, to connect them to a nationwide distribution network of over 300 outlets and more than 100 contractors, according to local press.

Thai Gypsum Products, which manufactures gypsum used in wallboards for Saint-Gobain's Thai operations, said it saw a 'big opportunity' to expand its networks for gypsum delivery in Cambodia ahead of the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community due at the end of the 2015.

"Thailand has been our strong establishment as well as a centre of goods distribution to neighbouring countries," said managing director Richard Juggery. "Now we see a good potential of Cambodia as the country has attracted more foreign investors and performed outstanding business growth in past few years," he added.

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products, the manufacturer of Gyproc brand gypsum products in Thailand, has reaffirmed its positive outlook regarding market conditions in the second half of 2014 with its commitment to build a new warehouse / distribution centre in Surat Thani Province. Following its strategic plan to achieve 5% growth before the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, Thai Gypsum Products continues to expand its national footprint following the opening of the 5th Gyproc Centre, which was launched recently in Phuket.

"Gyproc aims to become the market leader in gypsum production following the AEC integration," said Thongchai Kamolpattana, commercial director. "As Thailand is located centrally within the region, we believe that many foreign investors will be attracted to invest in the country, whether by development of properties they own or the expansion of their regional offices, both sectors requiring materials for construction."

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products Plc (TGP), a subsidiary of France's Saint-Gobain, expects sales of its Gyproc construction and finishing materials will expand by 5% in 2014, citing continuous growth in home renovations and building markets.

Thongchai Kamolpattana, the commercial director for the Gyproc brand, said that demand from housing projects and home renovations had increased since 2013 and would allow TGP to earn higher revenue in 2014. Kamolpattana added that provincial markets would keep Gyproc sales afloat even if political problems persist in Bangkok.

Earlier in 2014 TGP experienced a minor negative effect from the prolonged political impasse that caused consumers to delay decisions to buy condominium units in Bangkok. "Demand for condominiums declined because customers in Bangkok took a wait-and-see stance," said Kamolpattana. "However, our market still did well in other provinces." He added that if political problems continue until year-end, TGP's performance in Bangkok might be affected. "If so, consumer confidence would be badly affected and that might reduce demand for our products. However, business confidence has rebounded since the coup."

Gyproc has expanded into modern-trade malls, particularly in Chiang Mai and Chon Buri provinces, helping the brand to boost sales by 5%. The products are available in 400 malls, resulting in greater brand awareness and accessibility to its products among contractors and homeowners nationwide.

The company plans to open more Gyproc solution centres in 2014, including in Phuket, in order to prepare for rising opportunities under the Asean Economic Community, which is due to kick off late in 2015. According to Kamolpattana, gypsum boards have gained strong market recognition in 20 Asia-Pacific markets, particularly the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.