Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 22 people and seized three cargo boats carrying a large quantity of cement allegedly being smuggled to Myanmar. During a search, officials recovered 2400 bags of Diamond Cement in the boats, along with fertiliser. The seized goods are estimated to be worth around US$11,356. According to local press, seizure of the same cement brand in recent anti-smuggling operations has raised questions among observers and called for increased scrutiny.
Bolivia: The Bolivian state-owned cement company Ecebol in Oruro will resume operations at its clinker kiln between 21-25 July 2026 after a year of inactivity. Rommel Mallo Ordoñez took over as plant manager in June 2026. The previous manager reportedly only operated the kiln for two or three months a year, according to local press. The plant will operate at 72% of its operating capacity due to a lack of maintenance since 2019.
The plant underwent an inspection on 10 July 2026, and received criticism for its management of cement sales. Administrative and bureaucratic problems affecting cement sales were cited, along with allegations of hoarding. The company is scheduled to be monitored, and a follow-up visit is planned for August 2026.
India: Nuvoco Vistas has announced the inauguration of a 2Mt/yr cement grinding plant at its Limla facility in Surat, Gujarat, which it says will help it strengthen its footprint in the west of India. Nuvoco Vistas is aiming for 35Mt/yr capacity by the 2028 financial year. The plant will also enable Nuvoco to serve adjoining markets in western Maharashtra while releasing much-needed cement capacities previously supplied from the company’s northern plants exclusively for northern India markets, it added.
Spain: Cement consumption in Spain is expected to reach 17Mt by the end of 2026, 2% more than the previous year, according to estimates by Oficemen. It has lowered its initial forecast by one percentage point due to the slowdown in residential visas and economic and political uncertainty.
The cement industry association's scenario includes around 150,000 homes approved during the year, 5.6 million m2 of non-residential construction and an investment in infrastructure close to €13bn. Between January and May 2026, consumption increased by 7% to 6.78Mt, and March and April 2026 saw double-digit growth. Between June 2025 and May 2026, growth stands at 12%, although Oficemen expects a moderation during the second half of 2026, when the data will begin to be compared with the high levels recorded from July 2025 onwards. The organisation believes that Spain would need to exceed 20Mt/yr to address the accumulated housing deficit, estimated at around 750,000 units, and the infrastructure needs associated with population growth and tourism activity.
