The dynamic increase in imports of cement from Ukraine raises serious concerns among Polish producers. In 2024, imports of this natural material from the east border may exceed 1 million tonnes, which represents a crucial threat to the home market. manufacture representatives are calling for European Union support in the form of quantitative restrictions that could prevent destabilisation of the sector.
Increase of imports of cement from Ukraine – threat to home production
Polish cement manufacture ranks 3rd in Europe in terms of production. presently there are 12 plants in the country located in 8 voivodships, which employment 3.5 1000 people directly, and another 22 1000 in related sectors. However, expanding imports of cement, especially from Ukraine, pose a serious threat to home production.
Last year's data indicate that imports of cement from Ukraine ranged from 600 to 700 1000 tonnes, which is almost a double compared to the erstwhile year. In 2022 this import reached 331,000 tonnes, while in 2024 it could exceed the barrier of a million tonnes. specified a large scale of imports is simply a challenge for Polish producers who gotta adapt to EU climate regulations, while their Ukrainian competitors are not obliged to bear specified costs.
Problems with uncontrolled imports
According to manufacture representatives, 1 of the key problems is the deficiency of quantitative restrictions on imports of cement from outside the European Union. The Polish marketplace is becoming increasingly susceptible to cheaper natural material, which can displace native producers. Cement originating in Ukraine first reaches east regions of Poland, but gradually spreads into the country, threatening the stableness of the industry.
Polish producers indicate that price is the primary determining origin for the choice of cement by customers. The quality parameters of cement are strictly regulated by standards, which means that acquisition costs become crucial for customers. The lower price of Ukrainian natural material, due, inter alia, to the deficiency of burden on EU climate policy, leads to the displacement of home production from the market.
Industry calls for support and solutions at European level
Representatives of the cement sector in Poland call for support at both national and EU level. The introduction of quantitative quotas for imports of cement from non-EU countries could be a key solution. specified measures would defend the home marketplace against flooding of inexpensive natural material and make the conditions for investment in greenhouse gas emanation reductions.
Experts stress that the cement manufacture faces a immense challenge in terms of ecological transformation. By 2034, the free allocation of CO2 allowances is planned to be full withdrawn and the emissions are to be eliminated completely by 2039. Without adequate financial and regulatory support, national cement plants may find it hard to comply with these requirements.
Green transformation as a key to the future of industry
Despite the challenges of abroad competition, the cement sector in Poland invests actively in green technologies. Home cement plants are the European leader in the usage of alternate fuels, which presently account for 80% of the heat utilized in production. Across the European Union, this figure is 53%.
The advanced temperature of the production processes allows efficient conversion of alternate fuels, including municipal waste, which would otherwise be sent to landfills. The cement manufacture thus plays an crucial function in the circular economy. However, further improvement of this strategy requires additional investments that may be threatened by uncontrolled imports from Ukraine and another non-EU countries.
The increasing import of cement from Ukraine is becoming an increasingly serious problem for Polish producers. The sector calls for quantitative quotas and financial support for further decarbonisation of production. Green transformation, although challenging, is besides an chance to make the manufacture in accordance with European standards. The future of the Polish cement marketplace depends on effective action at both national and EU level.
