China: Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that from January to July 2026, China’s cement production was 860Mt, representing a year-on-year decrease of nearly 9%. Among the 31 provinces in China, only five – Beijing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Heilongjiang and Hainan – achieved year-on-year growth in cement production during the first half of the year, according to Digital Cement Network. Most producers faced losses compared to the first half of 2025 due to a decline in both the volume and price of cement.

Infrastructure and real estate projects are reportedly facing funding shortages, and overall cement demand is weak, as well as extreme weather events like high temperatures and heavy rainfall affecting construction progress. China exported 4.1Mt of cement in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 54%, and 9.4Mt of clinker. The main export destinations were Bangladesh, Ghana and the Philippines.

Vietnam: INSEE Vietnam has commissioned the expansion of its Can Tho cement plant in an inauguration ceremony on 31 July 2026. The project includes the commissioning of four new silos with a total capacity of 1000t, in addition to the four existing silos with a capacity of 600t, bringing the total capacity of the plant to 1600t. According to local press, the expansion will enable INSEE to respond more quickly and flexibly to market demands and ensure a stable supply for its customers throughout the Mekong Delta region.

Russia: Cement output increased in Russia by 3% in July 2026, reportedly the first month of the year that has recorded a positive trend. This is reportedly attributed to the gradual stabilisation of demand, due to a drop in imports.

Saudi Arabia: Northern Region Cement has ordered a raw mill optimisation package, including a SpectraFlow Airslide Analyser and RMP Control Software, for its cement plant near Turaif.

The supply will optimise Northern Region Cement’s white cement line, which has a capacity of 0.85Mt/yr. SpectraFlow Analytics has now partnered with two major white cement producers in the region: Northern Region Cement and Riyadh Cement.