Iraq/Syria: Iraq has begun to export cement to Syria through the al-Waleed border crossing on a trial basis, according to Iraq’s Border Ports Authority, with shipments entering gradually to test procedures and ensure smooth operations at border crossings. It said that shipment volumes are expected to increase progressively based on evaluations during the initial operational phase. Cement is also beginning to arrive at the al-Yarubiyah-Rabia crossing, as part of a plan to distribute trade flows across multiple crossings.
The Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals said in mid-2025 that it is developing a plan to set up new cement plants with a production capacity of 52Mt/yr, reportedly to meet growing demand and support ongoing construction projects in Iraq.