Global Cement News

Egypt: Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir met with cement producers to discuss production trends, recent price declines, and ways to increase capacity and restart idle production lines, according to a ministry statement. The meeting forms part of the Ministry of Industry’s plan to enhance efficiency in the cement sector and ensure sufficient supply to the local market. Officials reviewed recent price movements, local production levels, and reasons for the shutdown of certain production lines, with a view to their reactivation, according to Zawya news. Cement manufacturers continue to submit monthly production reports to the General Authority for Industrial Development (IDA), including data on licensed capacities, actual output and exports. The review showed that several companies have the technical ability to exceed their currently licensed production limits.

In response, the IDA will study applications from these producers to expand permitted capacities, aiming to optimise resource use, increase supply and stabilise market prices. The meeting also addressed the causes of plant shutdowns, including spare part shortages and ongoing renovation of production units. Some companies are upgrading their systems to align with production and efficiency standards. El-Wazir reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting plants in overcoming technical or administrative obstacles and restoring full operational capacity. The meeting further discussed expanding the use of alternative fuels derived from agricultural and household waste to reduce production costs and environmental impact. Cement companies reportedly expressed interest in this transition, viewing it as a way to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

Bolivia: The Santa Cruz Chamber of Construction (Cadecocruz) has warned that the 65% increase in cement prices could ‘paralyse’ public and private construction projects across the country, according to Noticias Financieras. The organisation said the increase is inflating project costs, adding pressure to an industry that is reportedly already struggling with broader material price hikes. In response, the chamber has called for cement to be included among the materials covered by Supreme Decrees 5321 and 5452 on price readjustment, arguing that the measure would help to prevent work stoppages and job losses.

India: The government has notified the Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025, establishing legally binding reduction targets for 282 industrial units in cement and other heavy industries. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment on 8 October 2025 after considering all suggestions and objections received on the draft rules, which were published on 16 April 2025. Facilities must reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of output from 2023–24 baseline levels during the 2025–26 to 2026–27 compliance period.

The rules implement the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which supports the creation of a domestic carbon market. Plants emitting below the target will earn tradable credits; those exceeding limits must buy credits or pay a penalty equal to twice the average credit price. The average price will be determined by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose and oversee recovery of penalties, which must be paid within 90 days. Major cement producers including UltraTech, Dalmia, JK Cement, Shree Cement and ACC are included, with reduction targets of up to 3.4% over two years. The framework supports India’s Paris Agreement commitments and prepares exporters for mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Switzerland: Cement deliveries rose by 7% in the third quarter of 2025 to 0.98Mt, compared with the same period in 2024, according to data released by Cemsuisse. For the first nine months of the year, total deliveries are expected to reach 2.7Mt, up by 4% year-on-year.

The favourable interest rate environment and recovery in construction activity have reportedly supported demand. “After the slight decline last year, the trend is encouraging,” said Stefan Vannoni, director of Cemsuisse. “Despite some uncertainties in the civil engineering sector, we can currently expect supply volumes to stabilise in 2025.”

Cemsuisse added that the figures highlight the resilience of local cement production, which relies on domestic raw materials and reduces Switzerland’s dependence on foreign suppliers.

Between January and September 2025, 34% of deliveries were made by rail and 66% by road. “The Confederation’s climate policy goals should also be reflected in SBB’s actions: it is therefore urgent to improve planning reliability in rail freight transport,” Vannoni said.

Côte d’Ivoire: Dangote Cement Côte d’Ivoire has officially inaugurated its new 3Mt/yr cement plant in Attingué PK24, around 30km from Abidjan. The US$176m investment is reportedly expected to generate over 1000 direct jobs. The 50-hectare facility is located strategically to reduce logistics costs, and will serve major urban areas more efficiently, helping to stabilise cement prices and improve availability, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.

Construction began 10 years ago, and Dangote Cement now plans a gradual production ramp-up.