Another 'dismal' year for Georgia kaolin industry

摘要

Profits from Georgia's kaolin industry show no signs of rising from a five-year slump as highlighted in a recent 2004 calendar-year earnings report released by the China Clay Producers Association, Atlanta. Higher energy prices continue to put pressure on production costs for the Georgia-based industry group that brings together Engelhard Corp., Imerys, J. M. Huber Corp., and Thiele Kaolin Co. "The last five years have been dismal. Profitability has averaged a negative 0.94 percent for a five year period with significant losses reported in 2000 and 2001" said Lee Lemke, executive vice president of the association. "There continues to be tremendous pressure on the kaolin industry to keep the industry competitive in the global marketplace. However, high energy costs and rising chemical costs have eroded profitability. In addition, the Georgia kaolin industry is struggling from increasing foreign competition and other competing minerals."