The Saudi cement sector recorded a strong performance during the first five months of 2025, driven by rising domestic demand for the product, despite a marked decline in the sector's exports.

Saudi Arabia's cement sector recorded a strong performance during the first five months of 2025, driven by rising domestic demand for the product, despite a marked decline in the sector's exports.

The monthly statistical data published by Al Yamamah Cement Co. Total sales - domestic and export - grew by 13.1% year-on-year, reaching 22.49 million tons by the end of May, compared to 19.88 million tons in the same period last year, an increase of 2.61 million tons.

Strong domestic demand drives growth

According to the data, the increase was mainly driven by higher domestic sales of 21.85 million tons during the first five months of 2025, compared to 19.15 million tons during the same period in 2024, with Al Yamama Cement taking the lead in the local market.

According to the data, the increase was mainly driven by higher domestic sales of 21.85 million tons during the first five months of 2025, compared to 19.15 million tons during the same period in 2024. <Yamama Cement sold 3.02 million tons within the Kingdom, achieving a year-on-year growth of 34%, giving it a market share of 13.84% in total domestic sales. For its part, Saudi Cement recorded domestic sales of 2.29 million tons from the beginning of the year to the end of May, an increase of 19% over the same period of the previous year, capturing 10.47% of the local market.

Saudi Cement recorded domestic sales of 2.29 million tons from the beginning of the year to the end of May, an increase of 19% over the same period of the previous year.

Contraction in cement exports

On the other hand, export sales recorded a significant decline of 11.4%, falling to 646 thousand tons compared to 729 thousand tons during the same period of 2024, a difference of 83 thousand tons.

On the other hand, export sales recorded a significant decline of 11.4%, falling to 646 thousand tons compared to 729 thousand tons during the same period of 2024, a difference of 83 thousand tons. Despite this decline, Saudi Cement remained the largest player in exports, accounting for 84.5% of the sector's exports with a total of 546 thousand tons, but its foreign sales also declined by 5% compared to last year.

Strong indicators of domestic recovery

These figures reflect a remarkable recovery in domestic demand for cement, which may indicate a growth in urban activity and construction projects within the Kingdom, especially with the government's drive to boost the housing and infrastructure sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030. On the other hand, the decline in exports may pose a challenge for cement companies, especially in light of the volatility of foreign markets and high logistics costs.