Jamaica: Despite ‘operational challenges’ during the second quarter ending 30 June 2026, Caribbean Cement achieved a second-quarter sales volume of 0.11Mt, which it said was the highest ever recorded for the period.

As for the first half of 2026, gross profit rose to US$58m from US$33m, representing a 75% year-on-year increase. The company said that this reflects stronger operating efficiency and a more favourable production environment compared with 2025, when it incurred substantial costs associated with its planned maintenance shutdown. Operating earnings more than doubled to US$44m from US$19.6m in the first half of 2025.

Argentina: Total cement despatches in Argentina fell by 8% year-on-year to 0.8Mt in July 2026, and accumulated despatches in the first seven months of 2026 fell by 4% year-on-year to 5.5Mt. Domestic despatches fell by 8% year-on-year to 0.8Mt in July 2026, while exports fell by 49% to 1744t, from 3502t in July 2025. Domestic consumption in the first seven months of 2026 dropped by 3% year-on-year to 5.47Mt. Imports fell by 39% to 190t in July 2026.

Brazil: Cement sales in Brazil rose by 3% year-on-year to 6.2Mt in July 2026, according to the National Cement Industry Union (SNIC). Year-to-date sales reached 39Mt, up by 2% year-on-year. The North and Northeast regions maintained growth, while the other regions recorded stable sales, with the exception of Southern Brazil, which was affected by heavy rains.

Sales of construction materials fell by 3% in the first half of 2026. In the real estate market, sales grew by 4% in the first quarter of 2026, while new project launches fell by 5%. The Minha Casa, Minha Vida housing programme, which accounts for 49% of housing supply, recorded a 10% rise in sales but a 10% fall in new launches year-on-year.

SNIC president Paulo Camillo Penna said "The resilience of sectoral sales is underpinned by positive labour market indicators, with record highs in employment and a decline in informality. However, this momentum is constrained by high household indebtedness and an outlook of persistent pressure from interest rates and inflation, alongside a recurring labour shortage. Furthermore, the geopolitical environment has deteriorated significantly regarding relations with two of our key trading partners: the US and Argentina."

Uganda: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has announced new measures requiring cement retailers to install verified weighing scales at their place of business. It also urged builders to verify the weight of every cement bag before purchase, following reports of underweight products on the market. The move comes in response to public concern after Tororo Cement bags labelled as 50kg allegedly weighed between 40kg and 42kg. UNBS executive director James Kasigwa said investigations had established that cement producers comply with national quality and weight standards, with most cases of underweight cement resulting from tampering by traders after the products leave the plant. Kasigwa urged consumers to buy cement bearing the UNBS Quality Mark as proof that it meets the country's quality standards.

UNBS market surveillance uncovered three retailers in Mukono, Mbale and Nakasongola districts selling underweight cement. Investigations established that suspects collected empty cement bags from construction sites, opened genuine bags, siphoned out part of the cement, resealed the packaging and resold the products to unsuspecting buyers.

"The warehouses were sealed off, the suspects were arrested and are being prosecuted for their illegal actions," Kasigwa said.