The World Cement Association (WCA) says the cement industry is in big trouble due to rising carbon costs. WCA founder and director Emir Adiguzel spoke at the World Cement’s Envirotech 2025 Conference in Athens.

Adiguzel said carbon costs are biting hard. Carbon costs are no longer an expense, they are now a key factor in how much cement costs and will lead to higher prices globally.

He also pointed out:

• Overcapacity is still a big issue for the cement industry.
• The US doesn’t produce enough cement but adding tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico or Europe won’t cause shortages. It will just make prices go up.
• Carbon capture is becoming a major player in cement production. Smaller companies will struggle to survive while bigger companies with more money will be the winners.
• Europe cement plants may have to close due to high carbon costs.
• The EU is proposing a €100 billion fund to reduce carbon in industries but it’s unclear how the money will be distributed. Will smaller companies get their fair share?

These changes mean the cement industry is in tough times with big financial and structural implications.