Lafarge halts concrete production in Egypt

French cement maker Lafarge has confirmed that it has temporarily halted production in Egypt - a market which represented 4% (US$ 962 million) of its total revenue in 2009.

A company spokesperson said that cement production had been frozen "a few days ago" after demand for the building material in the region dropped following recent political unrest.

As volatility in the country continues, Lafarge is monitoring the situation, the spokesperson said. Around 30 of the company's Cairo-based employees have been evacuated.

Lafarge is due to publish its 2010 annual results on 18 February.