October 2025

Philippines: Governor Gwen Garcia has called for an investigation into all cement plants in Cebu over environmental and safety risks from large-scale quarrying operations, according to Sugbo News.

The governor called attention to mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) granted to companies like Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC), which cover over 3300 hectares, including populated areas. ALQC supplied materials to Cemex Philippines. Garcia also requested a review of other cement plants, including Solid Earth (owned by Taiheiyo Cement), Mabuhay Filcement and Republic Cement, advocating for stricter oversight.

UAE: A cement plant in Fujairah has halted operations after a malfunction caused thick smoke to rise from the chimney, according to local news reports. The Fujairah Environment Authority conducted an inspection to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws. The plant consequently initiated an immediate shutdown and submitted a plan to repair the malfunction and prevent future issues.

India: JK Lakshmi Cement will merge three of its subsidiaries, Udaipur Cement Works, Hansdeep Industries and Trading, and Hidrive Developers and Industries, into its operations. Under the scheme of amalgamation, Udaipur Cement Works’ shareholders will receive four JK Lakshmi Cement shares for every 100 shares held. The merger will ‘simplify the group structure’, making ‘one combined entity focused in the business of cement and cement products’, according to The Business Standard.

Pakistan: December 2024 saw mixed results for cement despatches, according to data published by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association. Local despatches declined by 5% year-on-year, falling to 3.37Mt from 3.54Mt in December 2023. Overall, total cement despatches for December 2024 stood at 4.15Mt, up by 2% from 4.06Mt year-on-year. For the first half of the fiscal year, total despatches decreased by 4% to 22.9Mt. Domestic despatches saw a significant drop of 10%, totalling 18.1Mt. Exports, however, witnessed a 32% increase, reaching 4.81Mt during this period. In December 2024, exports reached 0.78Mt, a 49% year-on-year increase from 0.53Mt in December 2023.

Ethiopia: East African Holding (EAH) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation (ECWC) to boost infrastructure development through the supply of cement products from its Lemi National Cement and Dire Dawa plants. The agreement was signed by Biru Wolde, CEO of EAH, and Yonas Ayalew, CEO of ECWC.

Liberia: The Daily Observer has reported smuggling of essential commodities, including cement, across the Ganta Border into Guinea, potentially leading to shortages. Over 1000 bags of cement are allegedly transported daily from the Ganta market into Guinea, leading to an increase in prices.

India: UltraTech Cement has acquired an 8.69% stake in Star Cement for US$99m, at US$2.74/share. According to The Hindu Businessline, this minority stake acquisition could lead to UltraTech Cement eventually buying out Star Cement entirely, similar to its previous acquisition of India Cements on 20 December 2024.

India: Ramco Cements has commissioned an additional 2MW waste heat recovery turbine at its Alathiyur cement plant, doubling the facility's waste heat power capacity to 4MW. The company's total waste heat power capacity has now increased to 45.15MW, as stated in a regulatory filing. According to its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report 2024, Ramco Cements aims to meet about 45% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. According to Energetica India, the company has also reduced its reliance on fossil fuels by using wind energy and rooftop solar panels.

Saudi Arabia: Al Jouf Cement's board of directors has approved the use of its 'green' cement for projects in the new NEOM city. The product was developed in collaboration with ready-mix concrete producer Asas Al-Muhailb, with Al Jouf Cement stating that it enhances concrete performance by improving durability and longevity, and reducing water absorption and permeability. It is reportedly resistance to sulphate and chloride salts, has ‘equal or greater’ compressive strength compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), and provides benefits in heat insulation and fire resistance.

Türkiye: Türkiye's global cement exports contracted by 6.4% from January to November 2024, totalling US$4bn, according to the Trade Ministry. However, November 2024 saw a modest increase of 0.3% in cement exports, amounting to US$346m. From November 2023 to November 2024, the total value of cement product exports reached US$4.3bn.

Türkiye's cement exports to Iran decreased by 42% year-on-year, totalling nearly US$11.7m during the same 11-month period. Despite this decline, exports in November 2024 rose slightly by 1.5% year-on-year, reaching over US$1.6m.