(Ecofin Agency) - The foreign sales of the Tunisian company Ciments de Bizerte fell by nearly 95%, in an environment marked by fluctuations in demand on the Algerian market, and almost zero sales on a Libyan market facing socio-political turmoil. Despite this situation, sales in Tunisia have sustained operations during the first quarter 2015.

Revenues are at 26.3 million dinars, an increase of 10.7% compared to 23.7 million dinars for the same period in 2014. The cement manufacturer has therefore decided to speed up the establishment of infrastructure for sales abroad by sea freight. In line with this, the second quarter 2015 has been characterised by the beginning of civil engineering works for the upgrade of installations in order to give the company an efficient loading and unloading dock.

Current liabilities still remain a source of concern for the company. By end June 2015, the total indebtedness reached 100 million dinars versus 73.4 million dinars by end December 2014. In addition to this, there are the 12.1 million dinars of short-term loans.

On the Tunis stock exchange, the value of Ciments de Bizerte has declined on 22 July 2015, but in a barely significant trading volume. Even if some investors of the Tunisian marketplace remain optimist, Ciments de Bizerte posts a capital loss of 28% since 1^st January 2015.

The direct competitor Carthage Cement, appears in better health with a share value increasing by 1.8% as of 22 July 2015.