India: Cement volumes in India are projected to rise by 7-8% year-on-year in the 2025 financial year, driven by sustained demand from the infrastructure and housing sectors. This forecast is supported by the government's focus on infrastructure projects, sanction of additional houses and industrial capital expenditure, according to a report by the credit rating agency ICRA.

The Indo-Asian News Service reports that capacity addition in the cement industry is estimated at 63-70Mt between FY25 and FY26, with approximately 33-35Mt expected in FY25 alone. The capacity utilisation is expected to rise to 71% in FY25 from 70% in FY24, backed by higher cement volumes.

Global: Titan Group and Sinoma CBMI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on new business opportunities and technological innovations, focusing on decarbonising and digitising cement manufacturing.

Chair of the Titan Group executive committee, Marcel Cobuz, said "Our partnership with Sinoma will enhance our Green Growth Strategy 2026, benefiting both companies and advancing efficiencies across various fronts. Together, we are transforming the building materials sector towards a net zero future."

The MoU extends the collaboration beyond their initial joint venture on Titan's cement plant in Albania, exploring further advancements in low-carbon fuel and cooler technologies, virtual cement applications, digital logistics and carbon capture solutions.

Ghana: Minister of Trade and Industry, K Hammond, has presented the Ghana Standards Authority (Pricing of Cement) Regulations 2024 in Parliament. This legislative instrument aims to control cement prices in response to rising costs.

The legislation follows government efforts to persuade manufacturers to reduce prices and address public concerns over escalating costs, according to the Daily Guide Network. Despite opposition from the National Democratic Congress lawmakers and cement producers, the regulation will likely become law after a 21-sitting day period in Parliament. The new law will introduce a price stabilisation fund to ensure consistent cement prices across the country.

Mr Hammond said "For a long time, we haven’t seen cement prices de-escalating. It's always escalating. I think there's something fundamentally wrong with the pricing of cement in the country.”

Switzerland: Holcim will close its historic site in Holderbank, Argovia, relocating approximately 200 employees to its headquarters in Zug from 2026. This move ends Holcim's 114-year presence in its founding location. Holcim will provide financial assistance for relocation or for those whose commute is affected, according to The Geneva Tribune. Prior to the transfer, the Zug headquarters will undergo renovation and expansion, eventually accommodating over 400 staff.

A spokesperson for Holcim said "The merger of the site and offices will not lead to any job cuts. There will be no layoffs."