Brazil: Cement sales in Brazil fell by 1% year-on-year to 5.7Mt in May 2026, according to the latest statistics from the National Cement Industry Union (SNIC). Accumulated sales in the first five months of 2026 rose by 1% year-on-year. Sales continue to be supported by the labour market and the real estate market, driven by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida housing programme. However, the industry is facing high interest rates, inflation and cost pressures from the instability in the Middle East.
In the real estate market, sales rose by 4% in the first quarter of 2026. Confidence in the construction sector remained stable in May 2026, although the building segment showed more pessimism in the face of labour shortages and cost pressures.
SNIC president Paulo Camillo Penna said "The sector is experiencing mixed signals. On the one hand, it is undeniable that the strengthening of the labour market and updates to housing programmes are cornerstones for positive results. However, we are dealing with a negative scenario of a smaller drop in the interest rate and high inflation, accentuated by instability in the Middle East. Furthermore, the industry is closely monitoring the vote on the bill that proposes ending the 6x1 work schedule, since this possible labour change has the potential to significantly increase the industry's operating costs."