Cement market: Growth in sales amid regulatory reform

Monday 04 August 2025 - 17:15

The Moroccan cement sector recorded a significant rise in sales during July, while undergoing major changes in its competitive landscape. These changes were driven by new actions initiated by the Competition Council.

According to the Professional Cement Manufacturers Association (APC), member companies delivered 1.4 million tons of cement in July 2025, up from 1.1 million tons during the same month last year — a year-on-year increase of 17.65%.

This growth reflects an upward trend in construction activity, with 8.2 million tons of cement delivered between January and July 2025 — an increase of 11.04% compared to the same period last year. Leading companies like Asment Temara, Ciments du Maroc, and LafargeHolcim Maroc have largely driven this growth.

Structural reform underway
Behind these positive figures, a major regulatory transformation is taking shape. In response to a complaint filed in October 2024 by an independent grinding center, the Competition Council investigated access restrictions to clinker — the essential raw material in cement production.

The inquiry revealed anti-competitive practices by integrated cement producers who allegedly imposed restrictive sales conditions and favored their own subsidiaries.

As a result, several companies have now proposed a series of voluntary commitments to promote fairer, more transparent access to clinker. These include internal restructuring to separate production and sales divisions, non-discriminatory pricing, and the publication of clear sales conditions.

Opening the market and consultation
The reform also includes access to qualified fly ash for external operators and improved internal compliance policies to prevent anti-competitive behavior.

A major example of this shift is Heidelberg Materials' decision to transfer its stake in Ciments du Maroc to a German entity on July 11, 2025 — reinforcing competitive neutrality.

To guide these reforms, a 30-day public consultation was launched on July 28, allowing stakeholders to provide input. The proposed commitments could become legally binding, ushering in a new phase for Morocco’s cement industry.