Turkey’s clinker, cement exports rise in June

Market: Cement
03/08/26

Turkey's clinker and cement exports increased in June, supported by higher demand in west Africa and Syria and reduced competition from north African, Asian and Mideast Gulf suppliers.

Turkey's clinker exports rose in June to 864,800 metric tonnes (t), up from 608,700t a year earlier and 610,400t in May, according to Global Trade Tracker (GTT). June exports were the highest since May 2025.

But January-June clinker exports fell to 3.26mn t, down by 20pc from more than 4mn t in the first half of 2025, as import demand from the EU was stronger before the bloc implemented its carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) on 1 January.

Ivory Coast was the largest clinker destination in June, with Turkish exports to the country jumping to 90,800t from 8,900t a year earlier, although down from 102,000t in May. A booming construction market supported higher demand for clinker in West Africa.

Shipments to Syria increased to 82,700t in June from 16,900t a year earlier and 64,200t in May, reinforcing the broader increase in Turkish construction-material exports to the country.

Clinker shipments to the US, typically mainly a cement import market, also grew strongly, reaching 67,700t in June compared with 28,500t a year earlier and 35,000t in May.

Lower exports from Algeria may have contributed to higher demand for Turkish clinker, as buyers have become more cautious about purchasing Algerian material because of long vessel waiting times at Algerian ports and uncertainty over loading schedules.

And competition from Saudi clinker was mainly limited to Red Sea markets, with no fresh shipments through the strait of Hormuz reported in recent months. Vietnam also shifted towards shorter-haul routes, reducing competition in longer-distance markets.

But shipments to some established clinker routes nevertheless weakened in June. Exports to Italy fell to 39,100t from 92,200t a year earlier, while dispatches to Guinea declined to 38,500t from 81,700t.

Cement exports jump

Turkey exported 1.76mn t of cement in June, up by 21pc from a year earlier and up by 13pc from May. June exports were the highest since August 2022, when the country shipped 1.97mn t. First-half cement exports rose by 6pc on the year to 8.94mn t.

The US remained Turkey's largest cement market, with shipments rising by 9pc on the year and by 32pc on the month to 781,500t in June. The US accounted for about 44pc of Turkey's cement exports during the month.

But January-June shipments to the US were down by 9pc on the year at 3.77mn t, mainly because of weaker exports in the first two months. Turkish exports to the US could rise in the second half, especially as a 50pc tariff the US threatened to impose on Canadian cement imports in late July may push buyers to source from other origins.

Syria was Turkey's second-largest destination, with cement exports rising to 217,400t in June from 66,800t a year earlier, although shipments were down from 305,000t in May. January-June exports to Syria more than doubled on the year to 1.22mn t and are likely to rise further because of a significant number of reconstruction projects in the country.

Turkish cement exports to large European markets were also stronger in June, likely because of lower supply from Algeria and Egypt. The growth came despite concerns that CBAM would become a barrier to trade. Exports to Italy and Albania totalled 128,900t and 97,300t, up on the year by 21pc and 42pc, respectively. Shipments to Bulgaria increased in June to 72,800t, up by 25pc from a year earlier, while dispatches to Romania rose to 53,100t from 36,600t.

By Alexander Makhlay

Turkey cement exports ’000t

Turkey clinker exports ’000t

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07/05/26

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07/05/26

Clinker exports to W Africa increase in 1Q

London, 7 May (Argus) — A booming construction market supported higher demand for clinker in West Africa in the first quarter, causing exports to the region to rise sharply. Exports of clinker to West African countries increased by 21pc on the year to 3.53mn metric tonnes (t) between January and March, according to export data from the countries' trade partners compiled by Global Trade Tracker (GTT). Demand from key importers was underpinned by rising cement production capacity and sustained investment in construction. Shipments to Ghana — typically the region's largest clinker importer — reached 1.36mn t, up by 30pc from a year earlier. Ghana accounted for about 39pc of clinker shipments into West Africa. Demand growth in Ghana is closely tied to large public infrastructure programmes and rapidly expanding building and road construction. The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry last year called for an increase in domestic production, highlighting structural supply shortages and reliance on clinker imports, confirming strong demand across the sector. Dispatches to Ivory Coast, which held a 31pc share of the regional market, grew by 71pc on the year to 1.08mn t. Roads and residential construction in Abidjan, development of logistics infrastructure at the port and public works continued to support demand in the country. Guinea was the fastest-growing importer, with shipments more than doubling on the year to 476,000t during the quarter. Exports to Mauritania rose by 63pc to 110,000t. On the other hand, deliveries to several other markets declined over the period. Supplies to Togo and Liberia fell by 19pc and 27pc to 233,100t and 127,800t, respectively. Shipments to Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin dropped by 37pc, 82pc and 52pc to 60,000t, 44,200t and 38,000t, respectively, showing weaker demand in smaller and landlocked markets. Clinker suppliers shift On the supply side, stronger demand in West Africa coincided with significant changes in exporter dynamics. China reemerged as a dominant clinker supplier, aided by competitive pricing, weaker domestic demand and surplus production capacity. China exported 1.42mn t of clinker to the region during the quarter, up from 117,500t a year earlier, GTT data show. Vietnam also sharply increased shipments to 878,300t in the first quarter, up from 130,000t a year earlier. But firmer domestic and regional demand limited spot availability at the start of the year, while tight vessel availability and higher freight costs constrained flows to more distant markets, including West Africa. Pakistan and Egypt raised exports by 75pc and 36pc on the year to 317,000t and 183,300t, respectively, maintaining their presence in the region. In contrast, Turkey — another traditional supplier — cut exports by 73pc to 143,800t. The decline reflects stronger competition from lower priced Asian material, along with a shift towards alternative destinations and higher margin cement sales. By Alexander Makhlay Cement exports to W Africa (by buyer) ’000t Cement exports to W Africa (by seller) ’000t Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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Turkey cement makers warn CBAM may block trade

24/03/26

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24/03/26

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13/02/26

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