China: Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that cement production in July 2025 reached 146Mt, down by 6% year-on-year and the lowest July level since 2009, according to Bloomberg. Output from January to July 2025 was 958Mt, representing a 4.5% year-on-year decline. The drop was attributed to the ongoing real estate crisis, weak infrastructure activity, and weather disruptions from heatwaves and storms. Bloomberg said that further declines are likely as producers shrink capacity to better align with demand.

India: UltraTech Cement will offload a 6.49% stake in India Cements through an open market sale, following approval by its committee of directors and officers. The producer acquired control of India Cements in July 2024. The company did not disclose the value of the planned sale.

Iran: Domestic cement demand fell by 8% year-on-year to 4.69Mt in July 2025, according to the Iran Cement Association. Cement output dropped by 11% year-on-year to 4.71Mt, while clinker production rose by 23% year-on-year to 6.31Mt. Cement exports grew by 1.4% during the period to 0.5Mt, but clinker exports declined by 11% to 0.5Mt.

In the first seven months of 2025, cement consumption fell by 7.3% to 34.6Mt from 37.3Mt in 2024. Cement output declined by 3.7% year-on-year to 37.8Mt, while clinker production was stable at 43.0Mt. Cement exports rose by 4.6% year-on-year to 3.37Mt, but clinker exports dropped by 21% to 3.53Mt from 4.45Mt.

The association attributed the fall in demand to a sluggish real estate market and difficult economic conditions. The government’s limits on cement production to address power shortages has also impacted production levels.

Sri Lanka: Tokyo Cement has started the 2025-26 financial year on a ‘cautiously optimistic’ footing, projecting steady demand for cement buoyed by improving macroeconomic conditions and sustained private sector investment, according to the Daily Mirror newspaper.

In the quarter ending 30 June 2025, the group posted revenues of US$41.6m, up from US$38.8m in the previous corresponding period. Profit after tax came in at US$2.22m, down from US$2.35m in 2024. Sales growth was reportedly underpinned by higher volumes and momentum from ongoing construction projects, although seasonal slowdowns and monsoon-related disruptions affected demand. Lower interest rates and improved credit access continued to stimulate real estate and commercial construction. However, delays in public infrastructure projects remain a constraint on full recovery.

The company said “While we maintain a conservative short‑ to medium‑term outlook, we are confident in the underlying economic fundamentals and prepared to capitalise on industry growth opportunities,” noting that its 4Mt/yr capacity remains underutilised.