The Portland Cement Association (PCA), representing US cement manufacturers, has expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on cement imports from Canada and Mexico.
In a statement, Mike Ireland, president and CEO of PCA, highlighted the potential negative impacts of the tariffs, which could hinder energy and national security, delay infrastructure projects and increase their costs. “While the US cement industry agrees with the President’s objectives of bolstering American manufacturing, increasing border security, and advancing the country’s energy independence, the industry believes 25 per cent tariffs on cement imported from Canada and Mexico could adversely affect energy and national security while delaying infrastructure projects and raising their costs,” he said.
Ireland emphasised the importance of affordable cement and concrete for the US economy, particularly in meeting infrastructure needs and supporting the expansion of the oil and gas sector. He noted that Canada and Mexico play a key role in stabilising US cement supply and welcomed the Trump Administration's willingness to negotiate trade policies to avoid unintended consequences.
Canada and Mexico currently supply 27 per cent of US cement imports, amounting to approximately seven per cent of national consumption. In 2023, the US imported 5Mt of cement from Canada and 2Mt from Mexico.
Texas and Arizona account for nearly 60 per cent of Mexican imports, while Canadian imports primarily enter through New York (28 per cent), Washington (14 per cent) and New England (11 per cent). In some states, Canadian imports represent up to 36 per cent of cement consumption.
The PCA, established in 1916, is a leading organisation supporting US cement manufacturers through policy advocacy, research, education and market intelligence. It promotes sustainability, innovation, and safety while driving continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and infrastructure development.
