Kazakhstan: Cement production reached a historic high in the first 11 months of 2025, reaching 13.1Mt, according to the state news agency Kazinform, citing the Ministry of Trade and Integration. The increase was driven primarily by improvements to the national cement certification system introduced under the updated ST RK 3361-2022 standard. In 2025, the ministry approved revised national standards that imposed stricter requirements on the technological regulation of cement and Portland cement clinker production. The updated framework reportedly aims to close regulatory gaps, improve product competitiveness, reduce production risks and strengthen energy efficiency and environmental sustainability standards across the sector.

Authorities noted that following the initial introduction of ST RK 3361-2022 in 2019, the country recorded a decline in grey market imports, alongside steady growth in domestic cement output.

Saudi Arabia: Southern Province Cement has confirmed the successful completion of a process control project at its Tehama plant, following the implementation of an AI-based cement mill optimiser system on cement mill CM6. According to a social media post by the producer, the system was developed and implemented by ES Processing, using a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced process modelling.

During the performance phase, the mill recorded an average production increase of more than 15% compared with manual operation. Cement quality also improved, with the standard deviation of Blaine fineness and residue reduced to below 2%.

The company added that it plans to continue working with ES Processing on further AI-based advanced process control projects across its remaining mills and kilns.

China: Sinoma Overseas has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Yamama Cement for a cement silos project in Beijing, marking its first EPC agreement of 2026, according to a social media post by the company. The contract follows the successful delivery of the earlier 10,000t/day clinker line relocation project, which was later upgraded to 12,500t/day. Sinoma Overseas said the new agreement represents a ‘solid and promising start’ to 2026.

Mexico: Cemex has been named on CDP’s 2025 ‘A List’ for climate action, the highest rating awarded by the global environmental disclosure platform for corporate transparency and performance on climate-related issues. The recognition places Cemex among a small group of companies worldwide that have demonstrated strong environmental leadership through climate data disclosure, risk identification and measurable action aligned with global decarbonisation goals. The assessment is based on the company’s submission to CDP’s 2025 Climate Change questionnaire.

In 2025, more than 22,000 companies disclosed environmental data through CDP, representing over half of global market capitalisation. Only 4% of reporting companies achieved an ‘A List’ rating. In addition to its climate score, Cemex also received an A- rating for its practices in corporate transparency and action on water security. CDP scores are increasingly used by investors and supply chains to inform decision-making and encourage sustainable business practices.