Global Cement News

Ukraine: The Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade has extended anti-dumping duties on cement from Russia, Belarus and Moldova until 2030, according to Ukrainian News. The duties stand at 115% for Russian cement, 94% for Moldovan cement and 57% for Belarusian cement, following a review of measures first imposed in 2019.

Armenia: The Committee on Economic Affairs of the National Assembly has approved a fourfold increase on cement import duty, in a bid to protect domestic producers from cheaper Iranian imports, according to Arminfo News. Cement production in Iran is reportedly cheaper due to state subsidies and low energy prices, and is exported in large volumes to neighbouring countries, including Armenia. The new duty intends to create equal competition in the sector. According to the State Revenue Committee, cement imports to Armenia rose by 72% year-on-year to 436,000t in 2024.

Myanmar: An Indian Navy vessel, the UMS Myitkyina, arrived at Thilawa (MITT) port on 23 May 2025, carrying 225t of cement donated by the Indian government to support reconstruction efforts after the March 2025 earthquake, according to the Global Light of Myanmar newspaper. A handover ceremony for the 4500 50kg bags of cement took place later that afternoon. The Yangon Region government supervised the transfer of the cement onto cargo trucks for distribution to affected areas.

UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA), which represents UK- based producers of cement and lime, has welcomed the UK government’s proposal to link the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS). The link was announced as part of a deal to streamline relations between the EU and UK. The MPA has been calling for a link between the UK and EU ETS since they were separated following the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020 and welcomed the announcement as part of the policy framework needed to support the sector. It said that linking the two schemes will give UK cement and lime producers access to a larger, more liquid carbon market, bringing the kind of stability that the sector needs to promote investment confidence.

However, the MPA has also repeated its calls for the government to tackle the high electricity costs that exacerbate the issues facing the industry, undermining its international competitiveness and making it vulnerable to imports. It has also reiterated the importance of delivering a watertight UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), levelling the carbon costs with imports from outside the EU and preventing decarbonisation by deindustrialisation.

EU: The European Parliament has approved proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) as part of efforts to reduce the administrative burden for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and occasional importers. Members of the parliament adopted the text by 564 votes in favour, 20 against and with 12 abstentions.

While the changes do not affect large scale importers, including those of cement, they remove the need to pay for CBAM allowances for less than 50t of imports. This will exempt 90% of importers - mainly SMEs and individuals - that import only small quantities of CBAM-effected goods. However, the CBAM’s environmental objectives will reportedly remain achievable, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of cement, iron, steel, aluminium and fertilisers would still be covered.