UK: Material Evolution has announced a partnership with ARC Marine for the use of its low-carbon cement in ARC Marine’s products. The companies intend to use Material Evolution’s MevoCem product across ARC Marine’s aquaculture, coastal defence and offshore energy portfolio. ARC Marine have accepted delivery of the first shipment of product to undergo testing in a marine environment. The partners will develop and test bespoke products tailored for subtidal and intertidal construction with the aim of scaling up production to include a wide-scale collaboration throughout in 2025 and beyond.

ARC Marine builds products that support artificial reefs and protect infrastructure like submerged cables and breakwaters. It has deployed over 2000 reef cubes into seven different countries. It says its reef cubes have provided a habitat for over 190 unique species.

Mexico: The Mexican National Chamber of Cement (CANACEM) has warned that the US government’s proposed reimposition of a 25% tariff on imports of cement from Mexico may trigger a ‘competitiveness crisis’ in the US, with dire consequences for North America as a whole. Mexico exported 1.5Mt of cement to the US in 2024. This corresponds to 7% of US cement imports and 1.4% of the country’s total consumption. The El Norte newspaper has reported that CANACEM sees the current situation as an opportunity for Mexican and US policymakers and stakeholders to increase their mutually beneficial initiatives, citing the example of a proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on a region-wide scale.

CANACEM president José María Barroso said "In addition to incentivising more sustainable production, this would promote greater integration and strengthen the regional market. The Mexican cement industry is ready to work with our government and our trade partners to find solutions that promote greater regional integration."

US: The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has issued a statement following the US government’s announcement of proposed 25% tariffs on imports of cement from Canada and Mexico. The association lauded President Donald Trump’s stated goal of protecting the US cement industry, while also calling for careful consideration of measures to be taken.

President and CEO Mike Ireland said “While the US cement industry agrees with the President’s objectives of bolstering American manufacturing, increasing border security, and advancing the country’s energy independence, the industry believes 25% tariffs on cement imported from Canada and Mexico could adversely affect energy and national security while delaying infrastructure projects and raising their costs.” Ireland continued “The availability of affordable cement and concrete is vital to meet our country’s infrastructure needs and for the oil and gas sector’s expansion. Mexico and Canada play a crucial role in stabilizing US supply, so we appreciate that the administration is open to negotiations and taking a flexible approach to implementing trade policy.”

Vietnam: The General Department of Vietnam Customs recorded exports of cement and clinker of 29.7Mt in 2024, down by 5% year-on-year from 2023 levels. Producers and exporters generated US$1.14bn in revenues from the exports, down by 14% year-on-year.

Việt Nam News has reported that the Philippines topped the list of importers of Vietnamese cement, with 8.01Mt (27%), down by under 1%. Bangladesh imported 5.49Mt (19%), up by 11%, and Malaysia imported 1.68Mt (6%), down by 3%.