Portland cement market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese Portland cement market began a period of expansion in 2018, with production reaching 3.96 million metric tons and market volume at 3.3 million. This initial growth coincided with the acquisition of the national leader Cimpor by the Turkish group Oyak Cement, which brought new investment and secured updated environmental licenses for key plants like the facility in Loulé, ensuring continued operation of significant production capacity.

Market growth continued through 2023, supported by the industry's sustained focus on innovation and low-carbon technologies. Major investments materialized in 2022 with Cimpor launching a new clay calcination line at its Souselas plant to produce more sustainable cement, directly enhancing production capabilities. The following year, the opening of a new Research and Development Center by Cimpor, aimed at advancing concrete recycling and digitalization, further solidified the sector's expansion. Consequently, production rose to 5.2 million metric tons by 2023, and the total market volume grew to 4.6 million tons.

Production portland cement in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's Portland cement production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 393.2 million US dollars, marking an 11.1% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production grew by 20.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Portugal's Portland cement production volume has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 498 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 4.7% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production expanded by 13.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports portland cement from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's Portland cement exports have rebounded. In 2021, exports reached 1 045 thousand tonnes, showing a 5.6% gain compared to the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 14.8%, with an annualized decline of 5.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 990 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 12.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Cabo Verde, and Spain were the primary destinations for Portugal's Portland cement exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 27.5% of exports, Cabo Verde for 25.2%, and Spain for 16.0%. Together, these three countries represented 68.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Portugal's Portland cement exports have increased. In 2021, exports totaled 63 190 thousand US dollars, up by 16.2% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 54 371 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.9% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom, Cabo Verde, and Spain were the top buyers of Portland cement from Portugal in value terms. The United Kingdom made up 26.5% of exports, Cabo Verde 24.7%, and Spain 16.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 67.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports portland cement to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal's Portland cement imports have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 698 thousand tonnes, representing a 13.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 23.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 544 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.6%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2020 with a 13.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's Portland cement imports by volume, accounting for 99.4% of total flows, effectively shaping the geographical structure of imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's Portland cement imports have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports were valued at 56 653 thousand US dollars, up by 22.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 24.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 39 579 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain was the key partner for Portugal's Portland cement imports in value terms, representing 99.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021