Spain: Cement consumption in Andalusia fell by 15% in the first quarter of 2024, to 0.67Mt, marking a decrease of 0.11Mt from the same quarter in 2023. The Cement Manufacturers Group of Andalusia (AFCA) attributes the significant 29% drop in March 2024 to the timing of Holy Week and heavy rainfall, which impacted construction activities. Exports of clinker and cement also decreased by 34.2%, with a volume of 97,609t in the first quarter of 2024. Over the last 12 months, consumption declined by 3.8% to 3.06Mt.

President of AFCA, Carmen Díaz Canabal, said "We will have to wait for the second quarter data to see the real evolution of the behaviour of the cement market, and therefore of construction, during this year."

Ireland: In a move towards sustainability, the Irish government has mandated green procurement requirements for low carbon cement, effective from September 2024. This initiative is part of Ireland's goal to achieve a net-zero carbon society by 2050.

The new regulations require a 30% reduction in clinker use and the elimination of high clinker cement for all government and public works. Additional provisions include the necessity for Environmental Product Declarations and comprehensive life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions assessments for major new projects. This aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from the construction sector.

US: Cemex and Clean Energy Fuels have entered into a fuelling agreement to supply renewable natural gas (RNG) to 39 of Cemex US’s ready-mix and cement bulk trucks in Southern California. The agreement is projected to provide around 1.1Ml/yr of RNG. Cemex plans to complete the project by the end of 2024 and start fuelling the trucks on-site soon after.

Francisco Rivera, Cemex US Regional President West Region, said "As leaders in the building materials industry, we recognise the pivotal role we play in building a more sustainable future. Embracing renewable fuels isn't just an option; it's an imperative.”

Spain: The Cemex plant in Morata de Jalón, Zaragoza, has won €2.8m in aid from the Spanish Ministry of Industry's first Perte resolution for industrial decarbonisation. This funding, part of a larger €96m aid package, will support the plant's clinker production process and its transition to using sustainable fuels.

The aid will increase the use of alternative fuels in clinker production by incorporating waste-derived and biomass fuels.

Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan's limestone output reached 0.92Mt in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 50% year-on-year increase, according to the Statistics Agency. The country's construction materials sector also saw a rise in exports, to US$153m.

The government has ambitious targets for 2024, aiming to produce construction materials valued at US$3bn and a focus on local production, the country aims to become self-sufficient and reduce reliance on imports. The country aims to boost exports to US$1.1bn in 2024.

Canada/US: Béton Provincial has concluded a transaction with CRH Canada Group to acquire several assets located in Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and New York.

President of Béton Provincial André Bélanger said "This significant milestone highlights the journey undertaken by Béton Provincial since its foundation in Quebec in 1960. We are very proud to see that a 100% Canadian-owned company is now making its mark alongside the major multinational players in its industry.”

India: Heidelberg Cement India recorded a 38% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching US$5.7m for the quarter ended 31 March 2024, up from US$4.1m. The company's net revenue fell slightly by 1% year-on-year to US$71.5m from US$72.3m. Operating expenses decreased by 5% to US$61m, contributing to a 29% year-on-year growth in operating profit to US$10.7m. Interest expenses and taxation also rose by 31% and 29%, reaching US$967,000 and US$2m respectively.

Belgium: The Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement & Concrete (ALCCC) has marked its first anniversary with a new policy roadmap aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Initiated in May 2023, the alliance brings together environmental NGOs and industry stakeholders to transform the cement and concrete sectors. The ALCCC has grown significantly, now comprising 25 members.

Senior programme manager Joren Verschaeve from ECOS, the coordinator of ALCCC, said "Our members show that the technologies needed to make low-carbon cement and concrete the norm already exist. This uniquely positions our Alliance to raise the alarm when policies and standards lead to unfair competition instead of a greener future – and the latter is perfectly achievable if policymakers implement our roadmap."

Ukraine: Companies belonging to the Ukrcement association increased their cement production by 46% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, producing 1.48Mt, according to the Ukrcement press service. This nearly matches the pre-war production levels of early 2021, which saw 1.56Mt of cement produced. However, clinker production fell by 9% to 878,500t during the same period.

Algeria: Algeria has initiated the export of 46,000t of cement to the US, overseen by Trade Minister Tayeb Zitouni at the port of Annaba.

Minister Tayeb Zitouni said “This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to develop and diversify Algerian exports to foreign markets. This demonstrates the government's commitment to increasing and diversifying our exports. We are also committed to supporting export businesses and streamlining administrative procedures to promote sector growth.”