Saudi Arabia: Eastern Province Cement has started trial production on a new clinker line at its Khursaniyah plant, according to a stock exchange statement on 27 April 2026. The company said that the 10,000t/day line has completed ‘implementation works’ and will undergo testing until equipment efficiency is confirmed.

The line was built under a contract signed with Sinoma CDI in February 2024.

Mexico: Cemex reported earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$794m in the first quarter of 2026, up by 34% year-on-year, while net sales increased by 3% on a like-for-like basis, to US$4bn. It reported a ‘strong performance’ for the period, supported by a cement volume recovery in Mexico and a disciplined pricing strategy. The company said that EBIT rose by 40% year-on-year, supported by operational efficiencies, pricing strategy and improved cost structure, while net income would have nearly doubled in the quarter, excluding a prior-year one-off gain from the sale of its operations in the Dominican Republic.

It said that the US showed ‘resilience’ despite adverse weather, with growth in ready-mix and aggregates volumes and continued benefits from Project Cutting Edge. EMEA reported double-digit EBITDA growth driven by cost discipline and pricing, while South, Central America and the Caribbean achieved double-digit EBITDA growth supported by higher volumes and ongoing transformation benefits.

CEO Jaime Muguiro said “I am very pleased with our first-quarter results, which reflect the ongoing benefits of our transformation and a structurally stronger Cemex with a more resilient earnings profile. Despite the uncertain global backdrop, our self-help measures under Project Cutting Edge that we have put into place coupled with strong first quarter results, give me confidence on our full‑year high-single-digit EBITDA growth guidance.”

North Korea: The Sunchon Cement Complex reported production at 103% of its daily plan following upgrades and maintenance works, according to state-owned Korean News. The company said that it established a process of producing steel balls using high-carbon ferrochrome to improve the performance of the clinker crusher. It also said that it replaced the shell of Kiln No. 3 in two days and completely overhauled production line No. 3 in eight days, thanks to the ‘indomitable mental strength and staunch struggle’ of its workers.

Switzerland: Holcim reported sales of €3.83bn in the first quarter of 2026, up by 4% on an organic basis, while recurring EBIT rose by 8% to €469m. It closed five acquisitions during the quarter, including a majority stake in Cementos Pacasmayo, and signed an agreement to acquire assets from Cemex in Colombia. It also divested operations in Lebanon, comprising activities in Cyprus.

The company said that growth was also supported by demand for low-CO₂ products, with ECOPlanet cement accounting for 39% of cement sales, up from 35% in the previous corresponding quarter, and ECOPact concrete reaching 31% of ready-mix sales. Recycled construction materials volumes increased by 24%. The company confirmed its 2026 outlook, targeting sales growth of 3-5% and recurring EBIT growth of 8-10%.