The EU imported 14.24 million tonnes of cement and clinker worth about 1.08 billion euros under Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) product codes in 2025, according to EU import figures. The trade flow was large in volume for a relatively low-value commodity, although its value was modest compared with steel or aluminium.
Türkiye supplied 6.12 million tonnes, Ukraine 1.89 million tonnes and Algeria 1.70 million tonnes. For cement buyers, commercial importance depends on volumes, production technology and transport economics, not border value alone.
CBAM adds a variable linked to production emissions and the EU carbon price to procurement calculations for EU cement importers. The emissions evidence required depends on the applicable product code and production process.
Clinker is made in high-temperature kilns and later ground with other components to produce cement. An EU grinding plant importing clinker may be the direct importer and first industrial beneficiary; its customers may include concrete companies, precast producers and contractors. Alternatively, an integrated group may import finished cement through a terminal and distribute it to construction markets.
Cementir Holding provides a documented example of cross-border cement trade. Its 2025 annual report describes increased white-cement exports from Egypt, including shipments to France, and a European business with French operations.
The disclosure identifies a production-to-market corridor but does not publicly name the legal declarant or the construction project receiving any particular consignment. Claims about specific CBAM certificates would require the relevant customs and emissions record.
Procurement also depends on port costs, inland freight, grinding capacity, seasonal demand and the competitive position of domestic kilns. Suppliers offering traceable lower-emissions clinker or efficient manufacturing processes may gain a commercial advantage, though the effect differs across the market and over time.
For investors and construction groups, an assessment could connect production in origin countries with EU port terminals, grinding plants and concrete customers. It should track quantities, plant-specific fuel and process emissions, product specifications and the importer’s ability to allocate any additional expense through supply contracts. The most competitive chain is not necessarily the one with the cheapest ex-works clinker, but the one offering the most competitive delivered and verified product.