US cement imports from Vietnam hit record in 1H

Spanish Market: Cement
25/08/26

US cement imports from Vietnam reached a record high in the first half of 2026, despite rising freight costs. Imports from Egypt, Pakistan and Algeria also rose, offsetting lower supply from Turkey and the Middle East.

Cement imports from Vietnam rose by 20pc on the year to 3.08mn t during January-June, according to Global Trade Tracker (GTT) data. The increase strengthened Vietnam's position as the second-largest cement supplier to the US, narrowing the gap with leading exporter Turkey. Vietnamese shipments accounted for nearly 26pc of all US cement imports in the first half, up from 21pc a year earlier.

The increase came in spite of tighter spot availability from the country since early this year, with many Vietnamese cement suppliers already sold out of spot shipments for much of 2026 by February. Freight costs have also risen for most of this year because of the effects of the war between the US, Israel and Iran, which has lifted bunker costs. This suggests that much of the increase in US imports from Vietnam was because of contractual sales concluded last year.

Similarly, imports from Egypt nearly doubled, despite the Egyptian government seeking to limit cement exports. US imports from Egypt were up by 90pc on the year to 853,200t, making it the fourth-largest supplier to the US. But some suppliers were understood to be focusing on the strong domestic market.

Imports from Algeria, the fifth-largest supplier, were up by 30pc on the year in the first half, reaching 489,600t. Pakistan also expanded its presence in the US cement market, with imports more than quadrupling to 208,400t from 51,500t in January-June 2025.

Imports from Canada, the third-largest supplier with 16pc of total market share, rose by 4pc on the year to 1.89mn t in January-June. But demand for Canadian material may decline after the US imposed a new 50pc tariff on Canadian cement as of 22 August. Trade talks between the US and Canada ended abruptly last week, and no new talks are planned. The Canadian government escalated the trade war on Tuesday by announcing it would double tariffs on imported US steel and aluminium to 50pc starting on 8 September as part of a retaliatory package targeting $28bn of imports from its southern neighbour.

By contrast, imports from the US' largest supplier Turkey were down by 6pc from first half 2025 to 3.73mn t. Turkey's market share narrowed by 2 percentage points on the year to 31pc.

Deliveries from the Mideast Gulf fell sharply after the war disrupted transport through the strait of Hormuz. Imports from the UAE fell by 50pc on the year to 91,600t, while shipments from Saudi Arabia dropped by 85pc to 46,600t.

Imports from Greece, Colombia and Mexico also declined in the first half.

Total US cement imports were down by around 1pc on the year to 11.88mn t.

By Alexander Makhlay

US cement imports mn t

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05/08/26

New Zealand eyes Australia-aligned CBAM

Sydney, 5 August (Argus) — New Zealand might explore a future carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) aligned with Australia in case the Australian government decides to introduce such a scheme, climate change minister Simon Watts said at a conference on 5 August. As part of its upcoming safeguard mechanism review , the Australian government will consider introducing a CBAM that could initially cover imports of cement and clinker and potentially expand to products such as hydrogen, steel and ammonia , as well as derivatives such as urea and ammonium phosphate. Such commodities face risk of future carbon leakage from imports, which could lead to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions being relocated from Australia to overseas, according to the findings of the carbon leakage review published in February. "I would expect that if there was ever any policy change in this area, that would be something that would be in conjunction with Australia," Watts told delegates at the Carbon Forestry 2026 conference in Rotorua on 5 August. The New Zealand government has been "actively monitoring" policy developments in the area and remains "open-minded", Watts said. "I think it's probably going to be something that will come later next year, looking where the Australians are," he added. Watts was responding to a question on whether a CBAM would be a better approach than government support to specific industries, as it did with a recent grant of up to NZ$60mn ($35.2mn) for Golden Bay Cement (GBC) to continue cement manufacturing at its Whangarei plant. Operator Fletcher Building was considering closure of the GBC clinker facility in Whangarei in favour of switching to a cheaper import-only model, mainly because of emissions costs. The grant would preserve "a strategically significant domestic capability without creating a precedent for wider support or undermining the integrity of the ETS," the government said. New Zealand emissions unit (NZU) spot prices collapsed in November after the government announced it would decouple the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) unit volumes and price control settings from the country's nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris agreement. Prices reached low NZ$30s/t CO2e early this year but have since recovered , closing at NZ$55.70/t CO2e on 5 August . Apart from Australia, other jurisdictions actively exploring CBAM-style border measures include Canada and the US, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said in a report in April. "While New Zealand exporters have limited direct exposure to currently planned CBAMs, this could change as these mechanisms spread to more countries, sectors and products," the CCC said. By Juan Weik Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Turkey’s clinker, cement exports rise in June

03/08/26

Turkey’s clinker, cement exports rise in June

London, 3 August (Argus) — 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 Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU cement importers may face high CBAM costs

20/05/26

EU cement importers may face high CBAM costs

Washington, 20 May (Argus) — European importers likely will have to use punitive default values to cover their 2026 cement imports because of high barriers to obtaining verified carbon emissions data before the deadline in September 2027, a carbon compliance consultancy warns. There is a "false sense of security" among some companies that they will be able to use verified emissions values, Carboneer managing director Hendrik Schuldt told delegates attending the Argus Mediterranean Solid Fuels Forum in Ostuni, Italy, on 12 May. "Our general assumption is that companies have to use default values." The cost difference between using verified data and default data is stark. A company importing 10,000t of grey Portland cement from Ukraine in 2026, at a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) certificate price of €75/t, would pay €195,000 using the actual emissions of this supply, assumed to be 0.91t of CO2 equivalent (CO2e)/t. But it would owe €663,000 in CBAM costs under the default value for Ukraine, which is 1.51t of CO2e/t. A number of factors make it unlikely that actual verified data will be available to use for 2026 imports. There is a "very short timeline" for producers to get their 2026 emissions verified. This work is only able to start on 1 January 2027, but it must be completed by September of next year. The availability of auditors is also unclear. And verification will only be possible if companies have an emissions monitoring plan in place. "That is a problem, because many of the producers worldwide who have not been exposed to this kind of logic do not have monitoring systems", Schuldt said. "This will delay the whole process or even make it infeasible." Another factor for companies to consider is that starting in 2027, they will be required to hold CBAM certificates covering 50pc of year-to-date emissions totals for all imports, reviewed quarterly. Ultimately this 50pc requirement could be based on the CBAM certificates surrendered during the previous period, which could be based on the lower, verified emissions values. But during 2027, this option will not be available. Companies will have to bank 50pc of expected CBAM certificates based on the punitively high default values, even if they have met all the requirements to use verified data. "That means in ‘27, you have to reserve a lot of liquidity to fulfil this requirement," Schuldt said. By Lauren Masterson Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Clinker exports to W Africa increase in 1Q

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.

Turkey cement makers warn CBAM may block trade

24/03/26

Turkey cement makers warn CBAM may block trade

London, 24 March (Argus) — Turkey's cement industry has warned that the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) risks becoming a non-tariff trade barrier if Brussels sticks to punitively high default values for carbon emissions intensity without providing a means for exporters to verify actual emissions. The default emission values imposed on countries without EU-approved data significantly inflate CBAM-related costs for Turkish clinker and cement exports, the Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association (TurkCimento) said. The EU did not specify cement product default values for Turkey, the largest supplier of clinker and cement to the EU , leaving its shippers to be classified under the "other countries" category. These would charge importers based on a default of 1.551t of CO₂/t of Turkish clinker , although exporters' actual emissions reported during the CBAM transition period averaged only 0.88t of CO₂/t of clinker. While the default values are designed to be punitive to encourage companies to verify their actual emissions, the process to do so remains unclear. Slow verification timelines and limited accredited verifier capacity could delay registering actual emissions in the CBAM system. The association therefore pressed the EU to use actual emission data until the verification infrastructure becomes fully operational. It also suggested that Turkey should be assigned a country-specific default value based on data from Turkish plants produced under a longstanding monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) framework aligned with EU requirements. "To prevent CBAM from becoming a de facto trade barrier, national values based on EU-aligned MRV data should be used instead of general ‘Other Countries' default values", TurkCimento chief executive Volkan Bozay said. Under the current default values that apply to Turkey, the carbon cost per tonne of clinker jumps from about €20/t ($23.20/t) to €80/t. This is almost twice the price of clinker on an fob Turkey basis, which Argus assessed for February at $44-48/t, "directly threatening the economic sustainability of exports", Bozay said. These higher costs would also be passed on to EU consumers through higher cement and downstream construction material prices. All Turkish facilities use low-emission dry process kilns. Turkish producers are also working to expand renewable electricity use, which would further lower embedded emissions, but the benefits would be lost if EU systems do not recognise verified plant-level data. "Within the scope of CBAM, there is need for clear rules that will allow these investments and the declared actual production data to be recognized in indirect emission calculations." Bozay said. By Alexander Makhlay Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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