India: Representatives of the Indian and Omani government are in a fifth round of talks over a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Under the proposed agreement, the parties would reduce or eliminate customs on goods traded between the Indian Ocean nations. Gypsum is among India’s ‘key imports’ from Oman.

Spain: Knauf España has successfully achieved Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Silver certification for all gypsum wallboard and metal profiles produced at its Escúzar and Guixers plants. Corresponsables News has reported that the company is the first gypsum wallboard producer to do so globally. Its products achieved C2C Gold certification in the Material Reutilisation category.

Ukraine: Knauf Ukraine has begun building its upcoming US$150m, 30Mm²/yr Ternopil gypsum wallboard plant in Ukraine, at Borshchiv in South Ukraine. Ukrainska Pravda News has reported that the plant will also produce 320,000t/yr of dry building mixes. Knauf Ukraine already operates a gypsum mine near the site.

Knauf Ukraine’s existing 25Mm²/yr gypsum wallboard and 200,000t/yr dry mix plant in Kyiv, Central Ukraine, employs 425 people, over 200 of them resituated from Knauf’s former Soledar operations in Russian-occupied Eastern Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia: National Gypsum Company has signed a US$9.32m financing agreement with Riyad Bank. Mubasher News has reported that the loan will support expansions to its gypsum wallboard plants. The financing commenced on 5 January 2025, with a tenor of 18 months.