India’s position in the global cement industry is both significant and growing. Thanks to abundant natural resources and a rapidly expanding industrial sector, the country has solidified its place as the second-largest cement producer globally, contributing over 8% of the world’s installed production capacity. The Indian cement industry is also set to benefit from infrastructure development and city modernization projects, offering a vast potential for future growth. However, despite strong domestic production, India’s cement exports have experienced fluctuations in recent years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth.
A Historical Perspective on India’s Cement Industry
The roots of India’s cement industry can be traced back to 1904 when the first cement plant was established in Porbandar, Gujarat. India has since evolved into one of the top producers of cement, second only to China. The country’s cement production is largely driven by key raw materials such as limestone and coal, both of which are available in abundance within its borders. Over the decades, modernization efforts and technological advancements have helped India’s cement industry operate on a global scale, meeting international standards and competing effectively in overseas markets.
Growth in Production Capacity and Demand
India’s cement production capacity continues to grow rapidly. As of July 2024, the nation’s annual production capacity stood at 298 million metric tons (MTPA) with an installed capacity of 570 MTPA. Between April and February 2022-23, the cumulative production index rose by 9.7%, and in February 2023 alone, production increased by 7.3% compared to the previous year. This growth positions India as one of the top cement producers globally, second only to China.
Top 5 Cement Producing Countries (2023)
China – 2,100 million metric tons
India – 410 million metric tons
Vietnam – 110 million metric tons
USA – 91 million metric tons
Iran – 65 million metric tons
India’s strong domestic market and growing demand for infrastructure and housing contribute significantly to the industry's ongoing expansion.
Cement Exports from India: Trends and Insights
While India is a dominant player in cement production, its exports tell a different story. Cement export from India have decreased significantly over the past few years. In 2015-16, India exported 33.73 million metric tons of cement, but by 2021-22, this figure had dropped to 11.66 million metric tons. Despite this decline, the country remains an important exporter, particularly to neighboring nations.
Cement Export Data (2023-24)
Total Cement Exports: 211,000 metric tons
Number of Cement Exporters: 6,498
Number of Buyers: 16,150
India’s primary export destinations include Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where demand for Indian cement remains strong. The major cement HS codes (Harmonized System codes used for trade classification) for these exports include 2523, 25231000, and 25232100.
Top Export Destinations for Indian Cement
In 2022, the top countries importing cement from India were:
Sri Lanka – $42.5 million
Maldives – $7.72 million
Nepal – $2.91 million
Bangladesh – $1.56 million
Bhutan – $1.45 million
Although India’s cement export volumes have decreased, key destinations such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal continue to import substantial quantities. Sri Lanka, in particular, accounted for the largest share of India’s cement exports, amounting to $30 million in 2023.
Major Global Cement Exporters
Globally, several nations dominate cement exports. Here’s a list of the top 10 cement-exporting countries by export value:
Vietnam – $1.8 billion
Turkey – $1.7 billion
Germany – $588.6 million
Egypt – $570.2 million
Canada – $512.9 million
Algeria – $494 million
Spain – $429.4 million
Thailand – $380.8 million
Indonesia – $376.6 million
Japan – $375.3 million
In 2022, these countries collectively accounted for 77.4% of global cement exports. Vietnam, Turkey, and Germany lead the global cement trade, with Vietnam ranking as the top exporter. India’s export volumes, while not among the largest, still maintain a steady presence in international markets.
Leading Cement Exporters from India
India’s domestic demand for cement limits the amount available for export. However, a few cement exporters in India actively export cement products, including:
MP Birla Cement
UltraTech Cement
ACC Cement
Ambuja Cement
Bangur Cement
Dalmia Cement
JK Cement
Lafarge Cement
JBB Enterprises India
Sant Kumar and Company
These companies export a variety of cement products, including Portland cement, slag cement, and pozzolan cement, to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean regions.
Opportunities in India’s Cement Export Market
India’s cement export market presents growth opportunities, especially as global demand rises in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia. However, businesses looking to enter the export market need access to detailed industry insights and market data to make informed decisions.
Platforms like Eximpedia offer invaluable resources for businesses engaged in international trade. Eximpedia provides detailed cement export data, including HS codes, exporter and buyer lists, and updated statistics on export destinations.
Conclusion
India’s cement industry remains a cornerstone of its industrial growth, both domestically and globally. While export volumes have declined in recent years, India still plays a key role in supplying cement to neighboring countries. As the country continues to modernize and invest in infrastructure, the cement industry is poised for further expansion. Businesses looking to tap into the export potential of India’s cement industry can benefit from platforms like Eximpedia, which offer critical trade data and insights necessary for successful market entry.
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