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April Kickoff: Tariffs, Tech, & Transitions: Cement's Crossroads Moment

This week’s AFR Cement Digest unpacks the impact of new U.S. tariffs on global cement flows, carbon capture milestones, and plant-level moves reshaping the decarbonization landscape.

April 10, 2025

As global policy shifts shake up cement trade routes and emissions targets harden into concrete action, the industry stands at a critical juncture. From trade friction to circular innovation, here’s your curated roundup of the most relevant developments in alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) from across the sector.

Plant Expansion & Acquisitions 

Major upgrades and strategic buys signal long-term confidence in regional growth and capacity optimisation. From India to Europe, cement producers continue to expand their footprint or diversify offerings—moves that reshape regional supply chains and unlock new AFR opportunities.

  • Shree Cement Unveils New Grinding Facility in Uttar Pradesh — Shree Cement launches a new grinding unit, contributing to capacity expansion and regional supply efficiency in India. Read more

  • UltraTech Cement to acquire Wonder WallCare for Rs 235 crore — Strategic acquisition to diversify product portfolio and strengthen UltraTech’s position in value-added construction materials. Read more

Trade policy, pricing shifts, import bans, and corporate earnings reveal the evolving commercial terrain. This week, sweeping U.S. tariffs cast a long shadow over global clinker and cement flows, with wide-ranging implications for procurement and strategic planning.

US tariffs and the cement sector, April 2025

President Trump followed through on his promise: starting 5 April 2025, the US imposed tariffs on most cement imports. These tariffs—ranging from 10% to 46%—disrupt the competitiveness of major importers and could reshape the US cement supply chain. Türkiye, with the largest import volume and the lowest tariff (10%), may benefit the most, while countries like Vietnam and Canada face steep costs. Analysts warn of inflation, a possible recession, and growing uncertainty. Domestically, US cement producers may see short-term gains and investment opportunities, but broader economic concerns loom.

www.globalcement.com/news/item/18642-us-tariffs-and-the-cement-sector-april-2025

  • Kyrgyzstan bans cement imports for six months —
    Trade policy update with potential local market disruption and possible implications for regional cement sourcing. Read more

  • Bangladesh experienced a persistent fall in exports during 9MFY25 —
    Cement export revenue in Bangladesh fell nearly 30%, signaling shifts in regional demand and production outlook. Read more

Grupo UNACEM achieves EBITDA of S/ 1,660 million in 2024 - Grupo UNACEMGrupo UNACEM

UNACEM reports financial growth and increased alternative fuels use in Ecuador and California cement plants.

grupounacem.com/en/noticias/grupo-unacem-achieves-ebitda-of-s-1660-million-in-2024/#:~:text=Grupo%20UNACEM%20announced%20that%20they,S%2F434%20million%20were%20reported.

  • Feds may cancel half-billion-dollar subsidy for Kern cement plant —
    The future of a $500M subsidy for carbon-neutral cement production in California is uncertain under new scrutiny. Read more

Leadership & Management Changes 

Key appointments at the plant level provide insights into shifting corporate priorities and on-the-ground operational leadership. Management changes often signal shifts in strategic direction, investment, or sustainability focus.

  • Turhan Erkayiram appointed as Plant Director of OYAK Çimento’s Bolu plant — Leadership change at a major Turkish cement plant, relevant for industry watchers and procurement/management shifts. Read more

Carbon Capture & Emissions 

With emissions accounting for a lion’s share of the cement sector’s climate impact, this category tracks breakthroughs and pilot projects in CO2 capture and storage. National initiatives, scientific research, and major plant-scale rollouts illustrate a maturing market for carbon mitigation.

The low-carbon cement Market Size is projected to reach $5.88 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 11.2%

According to a revised study by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, rising use of specialty green cementing polymers in construction projects across the world is set to boost the size of the global

www.globalbankingandfinance.com/low-carbon-cement-market-size-is-projected-to-reach-5-88-billion-by-2034-with-a-cagr-of-11-2-

Carbon capture plans at Padeswood cement approved creating 500 jobs

Heidelberg Materials UK has been granted planning permission to build a carbon capture plant.

www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25075658.carbon-capture-plans-padeswood-cement-approved

Holcim, IGNIS P2X and Exolum Present ECO2FLY: Decarbonizing Construction and Air - Fuelcellsworks

Innovative project capturing 700,000 tons of CO2 annually to produce sustainable aviation fuel, avoiding over 6.5M tons of CO2 emissions.

fuelcellsworks.com/2025/04/08/h2/holcim-ignis-p2x-and-exolum-present-eco2fly-a-pioneering-project-for-the-decarbonization-of-the-construction-materials-and-air-transport-industries

  • South Korea launches 800 trillion won carbon capture and utilization initiative —
    Massive investment plan including carbon-intensive industries like cement, aiming at large-scale CCUS demonstrations. Read more

  • Platform Materials for Moisture-Swing Carbon Capture —
    Scientific advancement in carbon capture that could aid cement sector decarbonization through moisture-driven technology. Read more

  • Carbon capture could become practical with scalable, affordable materials — New tech development in affordable DAC materials with relevance to decarbonizing cement and concrete production. Read more

  • Aker Carbon Capture Annual Report 2024 —
    Annual update from a major CCUS technology provider relevant to cement firms exploring carbon-neutral strategies. Read more

  • Technoeconomic Assessment of Offshore Carbon Storage Multiphase Source-Sink —
    Study on CCUS offshore storage in China, relevant for cement producers exploring cost-effective carbon mitigation solutions. Read more

Alternative Fuels & Materials 

AFR innovation remains central to cost, regulatory, and sustainability targets across geographies.

Cemvision in agreement with S:t Eriks to supply green cement for next-generation water and sewage solutions

Cemvision and S:t Eriks have entered into a partnership agreement to continue driving innovation and reducing the climate footprint of the construction...

www.mynewsdesk.com/cemvision/pressreleases/cemvision-in-agreement-with-s-t-eriks-to-supply-green-cement-for-next-generation-water-and-sewage-solutions-3380046

  • Mining group commits to making cement from brick waste — LKAB and Forterra will recycle bricks into cement alternatives starting June 2025, highlighting innovation in alternative raw materials. Read more

  • NO2 Reduction by HCN, HNC, and CN during Cofiring of Spent Pot Lining in Cement Plant — Scientific study on reducing NOx emissions through co-firing spent pot lining (SPL) in cement kilns. Relevant for AFR innovation and NOx mitigation strategies. Read more

  • ChemAnalyst Highlights Recycling at ETRA Tyre Recycling Conference — Explores the use of tyre waste as alternative fuel in cement kilns, showcasing industry-wide interest in circular practices. Read more

  • Fassa Bortolo Lime Render: A Sustainable Solution for Modern Construction — Lime-based alternatives to cement reduce carbon footprint and improve recycling in the construction industry. Read more

Innovation & Research 

From nanomaterials to moisture-swing carbon capture, researchers continue to stretch the technical frontier of cement decarbonization. These updates spotlight promising technologies with long-term potential for industrial adoption.

  • Amino Acid-Functionalized Nanoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks for Boosting CO₂ —
    Innovation in materials science aimed at boosting CO₂ capture, contributing to future CCU in cement-related processes. Read more

  • Developments in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Gas and Energy Storage — Research into CCUS materials and technologies with future application in cement plant emissions management. Read more

  • Record renewables generation underscores untapped potential of commercial solar — Analysis discusses solar energy use in industrial decarbonization, including high-energy cement production processes. Read more

Sustainability & Recycling 

Circular economy in action: partnerships, green cement agreements, and recycling commitments show how the cement sector is closing the loop. These moves align long-term sustainability goals with practical solutions for waste reduction and material substitution.

  • Building Prosperity: Circular construction opportunities could offer €363 billion —
    A report explores the economic potential of circular construction practices, including concrete recycling and design innovation. Read more

  • 301 Piles Completed in Kochi Metro Phase 2 Construction Work —
    Kochi Metro project uses a concrete waste recycling plant, relevant to AFR stakeholders for its integration of circular construction practices. Read more

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Wrap-up This week’s coverage reflects a sector in motion—under regulatory pressure, but rich with innovation. From headline-grabbing tariffs to granular plant upgrades, the AFR and cement industries are evolving fast.

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