Global Cement News

Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a safeguard measures investigation on cement imports to counter the ‘persistent influx’ affecting the Philippine market, according to the Manila Standard. This investigation has been praised by the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), and aims to support local producers who are reportedly facing competition, despite the country’s production capacity of 50Mt/yr exceeding national demand, which is currently around 35Mt/yr.

Executive director of CeMAP Renato Baja said that imported cement from countries like Vietnam, where domestic demand is low and exports are high, affects local manufacturers. Vietnam contributes 93% of the Philippine’s cement imports, followed by China and Indonesia. According to Baja, local production currently operates at only 55- 60% of its installed capacity, which has increased production costs and forced temporary shutdowns of some plants. The DTI has invited cement manufacturers to submit their views on the imposition of safeguard measures. According to The Philippine Star, the DTI will conduct a preliminary investigation to decide if safeguard measures on cement imports are necessary. This is in line with Republic Act 8800, which allows the imposition of temporary safeguards or increased tariffs to protect domestic industries from an increase in imports.

Pakistan: Despite low domestic cement demand, exports rose in October 2024, with total despatches reaching 4.36Mt, a 9% increase compared to 4Mt in October 2023. The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association reported a 51% increase in export despatches, from 714,325t in October 2023 to 1.1Mt in October 2024. This increase offset the slow local market demand, which saw a minor decline of 0.5% in domestic despatches to 3.28Mt from 3.3Mt.

Over the first four months of the 2024 financial year (July – October 2024), total cement despatches (domestic and exports) fell by 8% to 14.6Mt from 16Mt in the previous year's corresponding period. Domestic despatches decreased by 15% to 11.4Mt, whereas exports grew by 31%, reaching 3.2Mt from 2.5Mt.

Kazakhstan: Aktobecem will build a cement plant in the Aktobe region with a production capacity of 2Mt/yr. The company intends to invest US$143m in the facility, which will create over 500 jobs, according to Trend. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, with operations commencing in 2026. The construction of the new plant will reportedly supply 80% of the cement needs of the region and reduce logistics costs.

Romania: CRH has launched a wind farm to supply renewable electricity to its Medgidia cement plant. The wind farm comprises five turbines with a total capacity of 30MW and is expected to generate 80GWh/yr. Now fully operational, the facility can reduce the CO₂ footprint of the cement produced at the plant and contribute to reducing Romania's energy-related CO₂ emissions by 40,000t/yr.

Türkiye: IFC has provided a US$70m 'green' loan to Çimsa to support its decarbonisation efforts, according to a press release from the IFC. The investment will fund energy efficiency projects, modernisation and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels. Expected outcomes include a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy usage to 20% by 2025. IFC's Cement Decarbonisation Tool Advisory Service will also assist Çimsa in identifying operational enhancements and further investments for achieving its sustainability goals.