Global Cement News

Vietnam: Cement and clinker exports fell by 37% year-on-year to 2Mt in January 2025, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). Exports were worth US$76m, a fall of 36% year-on-year. The decline has continued a downward trend that began in early 2022, with trade barriers in key markets such as the Philippines and Taiwan restricting exports, according to local news reports. The 10% export tax on clinker, imposed in 2023, has also added to industry challenges. The Ministry of Construction submitted a report in January 2025 to the Prime Minister, warning of potential cement plant closures.

Pakistan: Cement exports rose by 5% year-on-year to US$188m in the first seven months of the 2024 financial year, while volumes increased by 35% year-on-year to 5.27Mt, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The country's cement exports grew by 40% year-on-year to US$20.6m in January 2025, but fell by 35% month-on-month from US$31.9m in December 2024. This suggests strong international demand, accompanied by short-term fluctuations in global shipments.

North America: Switzerland-based Holcim has announced the name for its upcoming spin-off of its North American operations: Amrize. Amrize will operate as an independent public company and a leader in the North American building materials sector ‘from foundation to rooftop.’ Holcim says that the new name combines the business’ values and vision of ‘ambition’ and ‘rising.’ A spin-off on the New York Stock Exchange and SIX Swiss Exchange is scheduled for completion before 30 June 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Holcim Chair and designated Chair and CEO of Amrize Jan Jenisch said "This is an exciting time for construction in North America, with the ongoing modernisation of infrastructure, the reshoring of manufacturing and the opportunity to bridge the housing gap with the most advanced building solutions. With our planned spin-off of Amrize, we aim to be the partner of choice for our North American customers and unlock value for all our stakeholders.”

Global: Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched the Innovandi Open Challenge 2025, inviting start-ups to wok together with cement manufacturers around the world in developing low carbon concrete technologies.

The Open Challenge is looking for start-ups working on next generation materials for net zero concrete, including low-carbon admixtures, supplementary cementitious materials, activators or binders. The challenge aims to find ways to reduce clinker use and incorporate new materials to lower CO₂ emissions.

The programme follows three previous Open Challenges.

Chief executive Thomas Guillot said "Advanced production methods which are decarbonising our sector are already being used in cement and concrete production in many parts of the world. Through the Innovandi Open Challenge, start-ups can bring in even newer ideas and further accelerate our industry's push."

“If you are a start-up from anywhere in the world with an innovative idea or technology, then we want to hear from you."

Start-ups can find more information and apply to take part in the Innovandi Open Challenge by going to the GCCA Open Challenge 4 webpage: Innovandi Open Challenge 4 : GCCA

Belgium: Gebr. Pfeiffer has received an order for an MVR 5000 R-4 vertical roller mill. The mill is intended for a new 4800t/day line at Holcim Belgique's Obourg cement plant, the site of the GO4ZERO decarbonisation project.

The mill will grind 370t/hr of cement raw material to a fineness of ≤15%R to 0.090mm and reduce moisture content from 4% to <0.7%. The mill is expected to reduce both emissions and specific operating costs.

Chinese contractor CBMI is managing the installation, with commissioning planned for the second half of 2025. The mill will be integrated into the plant's oxyfuel operations to achieve efficiency in the CO₂ capture process.