Why the Saudi Government has implemented banning exports of cement and Article

Why the Saudi Government has implemented banning exports of cement and explain the answer in terms of monopoly strategy - Article Example This ban in led to a 58 percent slump in the cement index and reduced profits for most cement producing companies. The decision by the Saudi government to stop and ban the exportation of cement was prompted by the soaring domestic prices of building and construction materials. In the subsequent discussion, we will attempt to identify and explain the cause(s) of such a shortage, and factor(s) leading to the imposition of the ban. In addition, we will assess the reasons for its partial uplift and subsequent reinstatement, how the government’s actions translate to monopolistic behavior. Finally, we will analyze the impact, and effectiveness of the monopolistic strategy on the economy and in particular in relation to the country’s projected economic growth. Despite being the highest producer of cement among GCC countries, Saudi Arabia has recently been experiencing cement shortages. This is because the manufacturing companies export most of their products to international market to fetch higher prices. The exportation of cements has grown steadily between 2004 and 2007. In 2006, the cement export volume was quoted as 2.26 million tones. Total production over the same period was estimated at 33.1 million tones against a local consumption level of 31.2 million tones. This translates to a shortage of approximately 0.36 million tones locally. These statistics show the total production of cement in Saudi Arabia was 33.1 million tons in 2006. However, the total consumption of cement in the same year was about 31.2 million tones (El-Quqa, Hasa, Desai, Rout & Gupta 2007, p. 9). Comparing the above statistics, it is evident that there has been a shortage of cement in the local market. Since this trend has continued, the government responded by banning exports of cement to alleviate the shortage in the local market. In 2009, the ban was partially lifted following an upsurge in demand in the Middle Eastern countries.

Reading response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 44

Reading response - Essay Example lassification of youngsters with reference to behavior traits, one of the devises of the music genre included the shift from dark lyrics to lyrics supporting social inclusion. This devise dropped the once meaningless portrayal of punk as a genre supporting dark lyrics and representing defiance of youngsters. In response to social issues that administrations, such as the Reagan Administration, ignore and overlook, punk music was used as a tool to spread awareness as the social issues were overwhelming the social structure of the community. To aid in the propagation of the social issues facing the community were punk music albums like â€Å"Fresh Fruits for Rotting Vegetables with songs such as Kill the Poor† (Hyde, 142). Although punk music is at some point considered a movement illustrating the culture of transformation in addressing community issues that affected the social structures of the society aimed at linking the community needs with sociopolitical factors. Under-representation within the political scene was one of the contributing factors that influenced the development and creation of pro-political lyrics. Although political and social themes are different in terms of focus, the creation of awareness by linking the two themes from a leadership perspective merits the use of punk music to influence social and political reforms (Hyde,