Recover the domestic market and international competitiveness

The balance sheet of the Catalan cement sector is affected by the lack of a solid recovery in the market: since the 2007 peak, cement consumption has fallen by 80%, reaching the level of the 1960s. Current consumption is It has increased somewhat but it is far from what is necessary in a modern and competitive country in a healthy, sustainable, digital and low-carbon world, both due to lack of infrastructure and its maintenance.

In addition, there has been a significant decrease in their competitiveness in international markets, due to the costs of electrical energy -which are among the highest in the EU-, the price of CO2 and the difficulty in having a sufficient quantity and variety of alternative fuels. These factors have forced companies to adapt, which have had to stop factories, with the consequent reduction in jobs and induced economic activity.

Challenges of the sector for 2023:

  • Stable energy prices

    To continue competing in international markets, the cement industry needs the prices of thermal energy (derived from oil) and electricity to be reasonable, stable and predictable.  

  • Execution of infrastructures

    Although civil works and building tenders increased in 2022, the level of infrastructure execution remained at a minimum, harming the sustainability and competitiveness of the country.

  • Alternative fuels

    The expansion of the catalog and the quantity of alternative fuels (above all, biomass) is a critical factor both for reducing manufacturing costs and for continuing to minimize emissions.

  • Support for exports

    Political and economic measures to support exports are needed as a formula to maintain activity and avoid unfair competition from countries that are not committed to mitigating climate change.

  • Avoid unreasonable taxes

    The taxation of the sector also determines its continuity and development. It is crucial to avoid double taxation that threatens the national and international competitiveness of the Catalan industry.

  • Have stone resources

    The continuity of the industrial activity of the factories is subject to the assurance of the future supply of natural raw materials in reasonable conditions of location, quantity and quality.

  • Carbon neutrality

    The Catalan cement industry demands political and economic support for the development of all the levers that must make it carbon neutral by 2050, and thus fight against climate change.

  • Industry defense

    The various public administrations have to commit to a determined legislative defense of modern and competitive industry to boost employment and economic development.

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