Iraq: Construction has begun on the Ramadi Cement plant in Anbar province, which will produce 1Mt/yr of cement, according to Shafaq news. The project is 100% privately financed and is part of efforts to expand Iraq’s industrial capacity and attract investment into the country. Moayad al-Dulaimi, spokesperson for the Anbar provincial government, said that the facility is expected to create at least 5000 jobs and support the development of the province's natural and mineral resources. He added that construction is currently between 27% and 30% complete. The plant will incorporate German technology, while Swiss engineering teams are overseeing construction ‘to ensure compliance with international technical standards.’ The developer, Sada Al-Nujoom for Contracting and Oil Services, has built a 26MW power plant to supply electricity to the plant.

Philippines: Mark Anthony Agsalud Integrated Waste Solutions in Bonbonon will process post-consumer materials into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for cement plants. The facility only accepts segregated waste from households and commercial establishments, which will be delivered to Holcim and Republic Cement’s facilities to be used for their cement production. A recent delivery was reportedly made on 25 June 2026 for Republic Cement, according to Minda news. An official said that the payment for the deliveries is an internal arrangement between the waste processing firm and the two cement companies.

Syria: Saudi Arabia-based Al Jouf Cement has signed a supply contract to export cement and clinker to Syria, valued at US$14.7m. The contract is valid for one year. The company signed the contract with Maham Constructing and Contracting Co, an investment group operating in the construction and logistics sectors. The financial impact of the contract will be reflected in the company’s financial results starting from the third quarter of 2026. Details were not disclosed regarding tonnage of the exports.

Philippines: The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) said that it supports the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) order to destroy 12,500t of ‘substandard’ Portland cement worth US$977,000, seized in Ilocos Norte. The DTI, through the Bureau of Philippine Standards, ordered the destruction of the shipment after laboratory testing found that it failed to meet the national standard, specifically on loss on ignition, insoluble residue and 28-day compressive strength. The cement was imported from Vietnam, and consisted of 3700t in 40kg bags and 8800t in ‘jumbo’ bags, stored in a warehouse pending inspection.

CEMAP executive director Renato Baja said “As an earthquake-prone country, we cannot afford to take risks with substandard construction materials. The quality of construction materials remains an indispensable requirement. The destruction of non-compliant cement sends a strong message that there is no place for substandard products in the Philippine market.”