Sweden: SaltX has begun industrial-scale testing of electrified pre-calcination of cement raw meal from Holcim at its test and research facility in Hofors, completing an initial test phase with ‘positive results’, according to SaltX. This follows earlier, smaller-scale testing, where targeted calcination levels were achieved. SaltX said that the tests establish a solid foundation for scale-up towards a fully electrified pilot plant. The tests form part of a concept validation phase running in spring 2026 comprising multiple test periods, each of which process around 20t of cement raw meal.

The pilot plant is planned for 2028. SaltX and Holcim said further updates on the testing programme will be provided before summer 2026.

Saudi Arabia: Cement sales volumes fell by 7% year-on-year and 21% month-on-month in March 2026 to 3.37Mt, according to Al Rajhi Capital. The decline reportedly reflects local holidays and recent geopolitical developments. Sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026 declined by 5% year-on-year to 12.8Mt. Yamama Cement recorded the highest market share at 14%, followed by Saudi Cement at 13% and Qassim Cement at 12%. Clinker inventory increased by 2% month-on-month to 43.6Mt, with Southern Cement holding the highest inventory levels, equivalent to 18 months of average sales.

Canada: Carbon Upcycling Technologies has secured up to US$10m in financing from US-based ATEL Ventures to support the development of its carbon capture project at Ash Grove’s Mississauga cement plant. The project will capture CO₂ from the plant’s kiln and combine it with local industrial by-products to produce supplementary cementitious materials (SCM). The facility is expected to produce up to 30,000t/yr of SCM once operational in the second half of 2026.

The Mississauga plant produces more than 1Mt/yr of cement and is one of Ash Grove’s largest facilities in Canada. The company said the project will support local construction supply chains and reduce the sector’s climate impact.

Carbon Upcycling aims to to expand globally, planning a demonstration project in Italy that will produce 5000 - 10,000t/yr of SCM, reportedly beginning operations in mid-2026. This will be followed by larger projects in the US and Europe, with planned capacities of 250,000 - 300,000t/yr. Construction for these projects is expected to start in late 2026 to early 2027.

Argentina: Cement shipments and consumption levels increased in March 2026, indicating a recovery in the construction sector, according to Noticias Financieras news. The figures are still below those seen during the 2021 - 2023 period, however. The Association of Portland Cement Manufacturers reported production of 826,000t in March 2026. Total shipments, including exports, reached 830,000t. This figure represents an increase of 11% year-on-year. Following low figures in January and February 2026, cement shipments ended the first quarter 0.3% below the previous corresponding period, at 2.32Mt.

Cement consumption followed a similar trend, rising by 19% month-on-month and 12% year-on-year to 826,000t in March 2026. In the first quarter of 2026, cement consumption reached 2.31Mt, up by 0.1% compared to the same period of 2025. The recovery follows weak performance in January and February 2026, reportedly reflecting reduced public construction activity and lower private sector demand.