Spain: Cement consumption in Spain fell by 3.3% in the first half of 2024 to 7.27Mt, a decrease of 0.25Mt from the same period in 2023, according to Oficemen's latest statistics. June 2024 saw a year-on-year decline of 4.2%, with consumption dropping to 1.25Mt. Cement exports also decreased significantly in the first half of 2024, representing a decline of 20.2% year-on-year.

Oficemen's general manager, Aniceto Zaragoza, said "Our forecasts point to a change in trend towards more positive data in the second half of the year. In fact, the figures for average daily consumption, which only consider working days in the comparison, show growth of 5.3%."

Argentina: The sale of the cement plant Loma Negra by Argentine company to Brazilian firm Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) will not proceed. The exclusivity term for negotiations expired on 12 July 2024 without an agreement, as stated in a communication to the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange by Loma Negra. It is now speculated that businessman Marcelo Mindlin may become a candidate to acquire the company.

Colombia: The cement sector in Colombia is experiencing difficulties due to a contraction in the construction sector. This is attributed to an economic slowdown that has impacted on housing and infrastructure projects. From January – April 2024, cement production declined by 4% year-on-year. The industry is also contending with high production costs, which have reduced profit margins. Delays in infrastructure projects, influenced by the transition in local governments, have further affected demand for cement.

US: Holcim US in Missouri will receive US$1.37m from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act to support the reduction of climate pollution in manufacturing construction materials, as announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions from the manufacturing industry and will aid Holcim's Environmental Product Declaration Accelerator Project.

EPA Region 7 Administrator, Meg McCollister, said "We commend Holcim for its work in advancing sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions here in the Heartland and across our nation. Its innovative approach, supported by this grant, advances climate-friendly practices and sustainability in one of our nation's most important industries."