"The domestic cement market has been stagnating for the third year in a row," says Ukrcement CEO

Last week was eventful for the cement industry. Polish producers appealed to the European Commission to restrict imports of cement from Ukraine. The Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade extended anti-dumping duties on imports of cement from Moldova, Belarus and Russia to Ukraine for another five years.

What is the reason for the growth of Ukrainian cement exports? Why is domestic consumption stagnating? How did Moldovan Lafarge fall under Ukrainian anti-dumping duties? Will Irish CRH manage to finalize the acquisition of Volyn-Cement and Yugcement? And also, what technologies do domestic cement producers invest in during the war?

This is what LIGA.net asked Pavlo Kachur, chairman of the Ukrcement Association, former MP and Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing and Communal Services, about.

Cement exports increased only as a result of the war

Polish producers have once again stepped up their attempts to limit imports of cement from Ukraine. This has something to do with the expected decision of the European Commission on June 6 to suspend autonomous trade measures against certain Ukrainian goods?

The European Commission's decision on autonomous trade measures (ATMs) mainly concerns agricultural products. As for domestic cement producers, they compete on a common basis with European enterprises.

Therefore, after the expiration of the ATM on June 5, cement imports from Ukraine to the EU will continue to be carried out duty-free, in accordance with the terms of the Association Agreement.